Over the years, many Spartans have demonstrated their skills on the court. In the lead-up to the women’s basketball season, Impact Sports takes a look at the top 10 women’s basketball players in Spartan history. This week we look at No. 5.

* * *

Kalisha Keane embodies the passion and intensity it takes to be a college athlete. Known for her ability to make big shots in clutch situations, the Ontario native is one of seven players in Big Ten history, and the only Spartan, to record at least 1,500 points, 600 rebounds, 300 assists and 250 steals. Keane’s aggressive style of play earned the respect of her teammates, including her roommate Cetera Washington, who compared her playing style to that of former Detroit Piston Chauncey Billups.

Keane’s intense playing style is reflected in her numerous accomplishments as a Spartan, namely leading the Spartans in steals during all four seasons of her collegiate career (2007-2011), breaking Michigan State’s freshman scoring record with 460 points in her first season and being named Michigan State player of the year three times.

Keane’s accomplishments helped pave the way for future Spartan women’s basketball players to make a name for themselves not only in East Lansing, but throughout the Big Ten. She was the first Spartan to be named either Big Ten Player of the Year or Big Ten Sixth Player of the Year.

In addition to playing for the Spartans, Keane has played for the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars, Euroleague Women and represented Canada at a national level.

Keane’s passion and ability are evident from all the accolades she has earned throughout her playing career; awards that now include No. 5 on the Impact Sports countdown of Michigan State’s greatest women’s basketball players.

Alex Tekip is a multimedia journalist for Impact Sports.

Photo: Nubia Buckingham/Impact Sports