Holy Rosary Alumna Gianna Kneepkens

In a recent conversation, former Holy Rosary student Gianna Kneepkens reflected on her remarkable journey from the shores of Lake Superior to the mountains of Utah, and at the time of writing, as she transitions into the incredible UCLA basketball program. The transition marked a significant chapter in her life, representing not just a geographical change but a transformative personal evolution.

"That's hard, just because they're so different. I've experienced very different things at different points of my life," Kneepkens shared when asked about her preference between the two locations. "I'm just grateful that I've been able to experience both." Her appreciation for both places stems from their distinct characteristics - Duluth's intimate community and familiar surroundings contrasting with Utah's diverse environment and new opportunities for growth.

The climate differences between her hometown and adopted state have given her a unique perspective. "Minnesota summers are perfect," she noted, comparing them to Utah's drier climate where temperatures can exceed 100 degrees. While she acknowledged that Duluth's winters can be "a little miserable," she has come to appreciate Utah's milder winter seasons, though she still values "experiencing all four seasons."

Kneepkens' foundation was built at the Holy Rosary Campus of Stella Maris Academy, where she developed both academically and spiritually. "Holy Rosary shaped me in multiple ways," she reflected. "They always had education as a high priority." The Catholic education she received continued to influence her path, providing what she described as "a strong foundation" that guided her decisions as she moved into college. The weekly church services and religious education helped strengthen her faith, which she continues to nurture today.

Among her most cherished memories from her early education were the daily kickball games during recess, which she credited with helping build lasting friendships and develop important social skills. "Those recess moments were some of the moments I'll remember forever just because I was able to build relationships with those people," she reminisced. Her second-grade teacher, Ms. Wagner, left an indelible impression with her gentle nature and passionate teaching style. "She was very passionate about her job and really cared about her students," Kneepkens recalled, noting how these early influences helped shape her approach to both academics and athletics.

Her collegiate basketball career has taken her to impressive venues and destinations. She has competed at Stanford and traveled to Arizona for winter games. The sport has even allowed her to venture internationally, with team trips to the Bahamas and the Cayman Islands. When asked about these destinations, she offered thoughtful travel advice: "If you want to do more activities, you should go to the Bahamas. But if you're more of a person that just likes to stay on the beach, the Caymans is nicer."

When asked about balancing academic responsibilities with athletic commitments, Kneepkens credited her parents' emphasis on education. "My parents have always preached how important education is, so it always has been my number one priority," she explained. This foundation of time management and prioritization began in middle school and strengthened throughout high school, preparing her for the demands of college athletics. "It's just a lot of practice and time management, figuring out what works for you," she added, whether that means "spending an hour at work, and then taking a break and going to the gym, or coming back and doing more work."

For current students aspiring to follow in her athletic footsteps, Kneepkens offered valuable advice: "Sometimes you have to make sacrifices, and they're hard... but at the end of the day, it was worth it all." She emphasized the importance of enjoying the journey, warning that "if you don't love the sport you're doing or the people you're doing it with, it kind of can cause you to burn out." Her message to her younger self would be to "stay in the moment and don't worry about comparing yourself to others," wisdom that applies both on and off the court.

Looking forward, Kneepkens expressed hope for a professional basketball career while maintaining a grounded perspective. "I really love basketball, and I hope to continue playing pro," she shared, while acknowledging the importance of staying present in the moment. Her journey from the recess kickball games at Holy Rosary to college basketball demonstrates the power of dedication, faith, and maintaining balance in pursuing one's dreams. Through it all, she has maintained connections to her roots while embracing new opportunities for growth and development.