Utah junior guard Gianna Kneepkens announced her intention to enter the NCAA transfer portal on Friday.
“Two things can be true at the same time,” Kneepekens wrote in a post on social media. “My experience at the University of Utah has been exceptional. ... Life also provides opportunities, challenges and discomfort so people can stretch themselves. After conversations, prayerful discernment, and much introspection I have decided to enter the transfer portal.”
The move comes after Utah was eliminated by Indiana in the first round of the NCAA Tournament last week.
Kneepkens was Utah’s leading scorer in 2025, averaging 19.3 points per game while shooting 50.4% from the field and 44.8% from 3-point range.
According to her post, Kneepkens said the decision to leave Utah came with “tremendous angst,” but she arrived at the decision in search for “a difference that will enhance [her] athletic and educational journey.”
It was expected that the junior guard would arrive at a decision to enter the portal, the 2025 WNBA draft or stay with the Utes for one final season following the conclusion of Utah’s NCAA Tournament run.
When Kneepkens spoke to The Salt Lake Tribune during the Utes’ Selection Sunday ceremony several weeks ago, she spoke candidly on what another year of college would do for her WNBA prospects.
“I think another year of college basketball could just give me an opportunity to kind of just become more physical, just learn about myself a little bit more,” Kneepkens said. “Because I think every year that I play college basketball, I learn something new about myself each year. So getting that experience [would be a positive]. There’s great college basketball teams that prepare you for the WNBA or pro basketball.”
With Kneepkens’ exit, Utah head coach Gavin Petersen will have to prepare for a quick offseason turnaround. Alongside the junior guard, Petersen has to replace seniors Jenna Johnson, Inẽs Vieira, Maye Toure and sharpshooter Kennady McQueen.
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