At nearly 6 feet tall, 3-sport athlete Kiana Thorson is the only freshman on the girls’ varsity basketball team. With just 9 players, the upperclassman-dominated team is smaller than in past years, making Thorson’s contribution significant.

“I feel like it’s a good team sport and it’s so quick-moving that it never gets boring at all,” said Thorson, whose basketball career began in elementary school, playing for LMYA before eventually switching to CYO. Thorson also participated in girls’ JV water polo in the fall and swims recreationally each summer for Springbrook Swim Team.

While this is not Thorson’s 1st time on the hard court, she does admit there’s a bit more to the high school game. “It’s a big transition [to high school basketball] because it’s a lot faster-moving and there are a lot more plays and stuff you have to know, certain rules that you have to follow,” she said.

In addition to impressive physical attributes, Thorson is appreciated for her attitude. “Kiana has been a very big bright spot to the season,” said head coach Art Thoms, who noted Thorson’s attentiveness and coachability. “I didn’t know much about her coming into the season, but during tryouts, I was extremely impressed with her effort, attitude and basketball skills.”

Thorson, who averages 5.1 rebounds and 2.9 points per game, has made an impression on her older teammates. “She is a really determined player that’s always trying to get better and listens to what our coach has to say, and is always applying herself,” said teammate junior Zoe Crouch. “She’s really fun and I’m enjoying getting to know her.”

While it would be understandable for a freshman to have some trepidation working with veteran varsity players, Thorson has enjoyed the experience. “[The upperclassmen] are all really nice to me. I don’t think [being the youngest] is bad in any way. They’re just really fun to be around,” said Thorson.

Thorson is already showing improvement in response to working with her varsity teammates. “Kiana has done a great job rebounding and doesn’t turn the ball over very much,” Thoms said. “With our very challenging schedule, she has been tasked with guarding some very tough players and has gained some great experience.”

Thorson has played “a lot of minutes” and serves as an essential member of the team, according to her coaches, in part due to the small roster, but also because of her unique skills and superior effort.

While being a freshman on the varsity team might be evidence of a great future in the sport, Thorson down plays what may lie ahead. “I don’t really know [whether or not I want to play in college] yet, I’m kinda just going with it,” she said. “But [Campolindo basketball] is really fun, and I think that we’re gonna be really good.”

The team’s record currently stands at 11-7.