KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Kansas State junior Nastja Claessens took the floor Friday with her parents in the stands, as her mother and father traveled from Belgium to watch her play.
“I’ve been counting down the day until they got here,” Claessens said. “I think my teammates are tired of hearing me talk about it.”
Frederic and Irina Claessens said they were glad to make the trip to see their daughter compete.
“We’re here to support her — I think she’s a long time from home. She’s far away,” Frederic Claessens said.
K-State’s Jordan Spieser (23) and Nastja Claessens (4) celebrate after a play in the fourth quarter of the Big 12 Tournament quarterfinals at T-Mobile Center on March 6, 2026.(Ryan Weaver | Big 12 Conference)
“I’m just happy to see my daughter. It’s far away from home,” Irina Claessens said.
Both parents played basketball in Belgium. Nastja Claessens said she was surprised by how composed they were during the game.
“My mom calm? Really, well, normally that’s not the case. My dad is always calm, but my mom, she’s cheering,” Nastja Claessens said.
The Oklahoma State Cowgirls compete against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Championship at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on March 6, 2026.
(Denny Medley\Big 12 Conference)(Denny Medley\Big 12 Conference | Denny Medley\Big 12 Conference)
Irina Claessens said attending the game in person was a welcome change from following along on television back home.
“My husband watches every game, and it’s seven hours difference, so he gets up at night to see the game — I don’t do that, it’s too hard,” she said.
The Texas Tech Lady Raiders compete against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Phillips 66 Big 12 Women’s Basketball Chapionship at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri on March 5, 2026.
(Denny Medley\Big 12 Conference)(Denny Medley\Big 12 Conference | Denny Medley\Big 12 Conference)
Nastja Claessens said having her parents in attendance meant a great deal to her.
“It’s just amazing having them here in the stands,” she said.
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