15 minutes with Kirstie Runion, Bluffton University Icon intern
Where are you from?
20 miles north of Cincinnati - Monroe - just minutes from the new outlet mall.
Where did you go to school?
I went to East Lakota through third grade and then was forced (and cried for a week) to go to Cincinnati Christian. Then I fell in love with basketball and knew I'd never get a good scholarship from a class of 50, so I went back to Lakota. I tore my ACL, missed my friends, and went back to CC. I graduated from there.
Do you have any siblings?
I have three sisters - all older. Two are near Cincinnati and one is in Oxford.
How did you get to Bluffton University?
I went to Indiana Wesleyan - the campus was gorgeous and my three best friends were there. I was a nursing major, got great grades, loved A&P (anatomy and physiology), but it was no fun. I guess I was in and English class, so settled on English. I transferred to Bluffton.
Are you playing basketball?
Yes, I'm a point guard.
What was your all-time best game?
To win the league championship our senior year, we had to beat a team - I can't remember the name now - and I had 31 points.
How do you transition from basketball season to no basketball?
The first week, I don't know what to do with all that time. The second or third week, I've learned to utilize my time and don't know how I fit in basketball.
Who's your basketball idol? What team do you like?
North Carolina, so my idol is probably Roy Williams.
Have you ever broken a bone?
No, but I've torn my ACL once and meniscus three times. I've had knee surgery four times.
How do you relax?
I do homework all the time. I find it very hard to relax if I haven't done everything on my list.
What's your favorite movie? Author?
I go to a lot of movies. My dad and I used to go to three a week. My favorite movie was "Love and Basketball" and a foreign film, "The Secret in their Eyes." You have to read the whole thing (it's in Spanish). My favorite author is Nicholas Sparks.
You're an English major?
I'm an English and writing major, with a minor in coaching.
What do you want to do with that?
I have absolutely no idea. But I'd like to coach.
Do you have any internships scheduled?
I'm doing two this summer. I'll be the summer editorial intern for the fine arts community at F&W Media (a publishing company in Cincinnati). I'll also do a coaching internship. I want to do it with a competitive high school team.
Have you done your Bluffton University cross cultural trip yet?
I'm going to France in May with Dr. George Metz and Guy and Diane Neal. It's going to be a busy summer.
What was your first job?
I was a waitress at Gold Star Chili because they hired at 14. I've worked at Skyline Chili for six years.
What's your favorite chili?
Three way - spaghetti, chili and cheese. The funny thing is I don't like homemade chili - don't like beans or onions.
What car did you take your driver's test in?
Probably the car I'm driving now - a 2005 Camry. It was new that year.
What was your first traffic ticket?
I was 16, on my way to work, and it was raining. I don't think I cried when the cop pulled me over, but I did when I told my mom. I still had to go to work.
How many tattoos do you have?
No tattoos, no piercings except my ears. I just don't love anything enough to have it inked on my body.
Stories Posted This Week
Monday, November 2, 2026
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Saturday, October 31, 2026
Friday, October 30, 2026
- Main St. runway for Trick or Treaters
- October 30 Bluffton Schools athletics lineup, streaming
- What Kind of Paradise author joins book club by Zoom, Nov. 4
- Check out November 2026 events at Bluffton Public Library
- Scarecrow voting ends at midnight, Oct. 31
- Annual meeting and dinner for Senior Center members, November 9
- November 2026 Community Meals at the Senior Center
- Pirate girls soccer edged in shootout by Big Green in district final
Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, October 29
- Bluffton chamber welcomes six new members in October 2026
- Scam talk with Chief Ryan Burkholder
- Apollo Career Center honored as Gold Star Institution
- Peanut brittle time at the Senior Center begins Nov. 9
- Bluffton University Forum explores faith, hope and care for creation
- Business Collective networking night, Nov. 5
- Radio play staging of It's a Wonderful Life on Nov. 29
- Test-to-Treat not Trick-or-Treat
- If only we could put these fall days on pause