Southwest Missouri State University star Jackie Stiles is one of the most celebrated and talked about women's sports figures in America.

For the people of her hometown of Claflin, she is not just a superstar. Not only is she admired for what she does on the basketball court, Stiles is celebrated as a well-rounded and humble individual.

The folks of Claflin are proud of the way Stiles conducts her life. They are content to have her as a role model and advertisement of the morals and good work ethics that is representative of the town and its people.

The fact that Stiles is the all-time leading scorer in the history of NCAA Division I women's college basketball is a bonus.

"Her athleticism is only a part of her winning personality," Myra Prosser said. Prosser is the unofficial president of the unofficial Jackie Stiles fan club. She tapes every game and is always willing to talk Stiles basketball.

Sometimes the most difficult achievement in a person's life is to be respected by those who have watched her grow up. Stiles has earned that respect, not just in Claflin but also in Springfield, Mo., where she has spent the last four years.

"Jackie lived across the street from me," said Margaret Heinz, as she recalled years gone by living on A Street in Claflin. "When she was about 5 years old she came knocking on my door. She had a basket of flowers that she wanted to give me for May Day.

"When I reached into the basket, I discovered that she had also given me a little kitten. I was so touched. I'll never forget that. Jackie's quite a girl; she always has been."

Cindy Smith remembers the many days she had Stiles all to herself. She was Jackie's babysitter. "When I die, they'll put on my gravestone the most famous thing I've ever done" is be her babysitter, she said.

"I think she's deserving of everything she gets. If America needs a role model, Jackie should be it. She represents everything that's wholesome and good about this country," Kirby Krier said, while looking over oil filters at the local Car Quest auto parts store.

"She works so hard," Butch Miller said.

One of her most dedicated fans sees Stiles in a different light than most people, even those around Claflin.

After playing a good basketball game himself, P.J. Stiles said his famous sister is a role model.

"I just think about her as being my big sister. It's remarkable, all that she's accomplished, but when she's at home we still fight and argue like normal.

"It's only when she takes me out on the court that I shake my head in wonder. She beats me every time. When she's out on the court, no matter what kind of game she's in, she plays to win. I know when we play, she'll have no mercy on me."

Doug Hubbard, firefighter, emergency medical technician and city worker for Claflin, had the good fortune to coach Jackie Stiles.

"I remember coaching her in softball when she was little. We've had many fine and good athletes come out of this town, but Jackie is a once-in-a-lifetime for us," Hubbard said.

Some folks in town are new and do not know Stiles personally.

"I got here right after she graduated," said Troy Bailey, owner of Bailey's Food Bin. "All I know is the legend."

Donna Maxwell said she remembers all the games she watched Stiles play. "Both my granddaughters played with her on the high school team. She's very special and so unassuming and humble."

Alvita Cates, Claflin's postmaster, also had a Jackie Stiles memory. "I can remember Pat (Stiles's father) telling me how she would dribble the ball in the van whenever they would go somewhere. From the time she was very small she never went anywhere without a basketball; she was always bouncing it while she would walk the streets."

Showing support for the home-town favorite, more than 400 residents of Claflin and the surrounding area attended the game Feb. 25 at Wichita State University's Levitt Arena.

Two-thirds of the small town's population was willing to drive two hours to watch Jackie play her final collegiate game in Kansas. Those who stayed behind watched the game on television.

Steve Hickel, a Claflin business owner, tried to sum up the feelings of the whole town.

"She's just an outstanding kid; she has a quality that makes me glad I know her."