The Stewart County and Clarksville communities are coming together to honor the life and influence of Kristi West (Kristi Morrison), a devoted wife, mother, and fiercely supportive presence in local youth athletics. Known for her warmth, energy, and wholehearted commitment to her family and the players she cheered for, Kristi’s absence has left a deep ache throughout the region. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Jake West, and their children, along with countless friends who saw her as a source of encouragement and light.
Kristi was best known in area gyms as the mom who never missed a moment—always equipped with a camera, a smile, and the determination to lift up every young athlete on the court. Her love for basketball extended beyond the game itself; she embraced the team as an extension of her family, supporting players not just in victory, but in growth, challenges, and everyday life.
Coach Lexi Atkins expressed the team’s heartfelt reflections on Kristi’s impact. “As our season continues, our team will be playing with something extra in our hearts,” she shared. “Kristi was our basketball mom—the one cheering from the stands, organizing, encouraging, smiling, taking all the pictures, and supporting every single one of our boys like they were her own.”
Atkins emphasized that Kristi’s influence has become a guiding force for the remainder of their season and beyond. “Her spirit is still with us—every time we huddle up, every time we hit the court, every time we give our all. From this point forward, we’ll carry her name and her love in everything we do.” Players, families, and supporters have rallied around the motto: “Team West — Every huddle. Every hustle.”
Community members have been asked to keep Jake West and the couple’s children in their prayers, lifting the family with love and strength during this incredibly difficult transition.
Many who knew Kristi throughout her life have shared similar reflections filled with affection and admiration. Shay Woodruff, a childhood friend, spoke at length about the profound bond they shared over the years. “We grew up together, shared the same hallways, laughter, and teenage dreams,” she wrote. “You were more than just a friend; you were a piece of my youth, a part of the person I became.”
Woodruff recalled memories of inside jokes, travel ball seasons, and the carefree spirit that made Kristi unforgettable. “You had this way of making everyone around you feel lighter… You left too soon, but your impact stays.” She expressed gratitude for the friendship they shared and sent heartfelt prayers to Kristi’s parents, husband, children, and extended circle of loved ones.
For Stewart County, Kristi’s influence was not confined to the bleachers. She represented the kind of compassionate, involved, and uplifting presence that strengthens a community. Whether organizing team moments, cheering from the sidelines, or offering kind words to those who needed them most, she built connections wherever she went.
As friends, family members, and teammates continue to gather, reflect, and pray, they also celebrate the profound mark Kristi left on their lives. Her love for her family, her belief in young athletes, and her unmatched spirit will continue to resonate throughout the community she cared for so deeply. This season—and every season to follow—Stewart County will carry her memory forward.
