One of the best players in Big 12 women’s basketball is leaving her program after an outstanding 2024-25 season, as Utah’s Gianna Kneepkens has entered her name into the NCAA Transfer Portal.
Kneepkens was a first-team All-Big 12 selection this season, leading the Utes with 19.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.0 steal per game. She also shot 50.4% from the field, 44.8% from three-point range, and 89% from the free throw line.
Kneepkens made her announcement via social media, discussing just how difficult the decision was, saying it’s been causing her “tremendous angst.”
“This decision causes me tremendous angst because I have loved my time at Utah, and at the same time, I am excited to find out what God has in store for me,” Kneepkens wrote in her social media announcement. “With tremendous gratitude and appreciation, I move on to life’s next adventure.”
Kneepkens’ decision is a tough pill to swallow for Utah, as she would’ve easily been the best player on the roster if she’d stayed another year. In all, she spent four seasons in Salt Lake City and was the biggest reason for the Utes’ fourth-place finish in the Big 12 this past season.
Utah wrapped its 2024-25 season with a 22-9 overall record and was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament with a 76-68 loss to Indiana.
