THUNDER BAY - It wasn’t until after Kaila Granholm’s basketball career ended did she realize that it could be extended elsewhere.
Even though Granholm has been playing the sport since the fourth grade, a sophomore slump in high school set her expectations back.
“I wasn’t really scoring, I wasn’t a very big asset to my team,” Granholm said. “I realized there would be no way [to play in university]. I was looking at other players that were way better than me.”
It wasn’t until two senior seasons turned those fortunes around, and now Granholm is on her way to North Bay to play basketball for the Nipissing Lakers.
“She increased her capability to score for sure,” said Lakehead women’s coach Jon Kreiner.
“She had always been a strong, solid kid with a great rebounding ability. But she started to show increased range, and her ability to score in different ways increased tremendously.”
“It’s weird to think,” said Granholm, who was awarded MVP of her team this past season. “Knowing that I’m leaving all this behind is just so sad.”
Granholm will leave behind a prolific, four-year career, as she joined the varsity squad in ninth grade. She will depart having played with girls who are both three years removed from high school, and girls who have three years left.
“I remember the last game I played, I cried the whole time,” Granholm said. “I didn’t sub out the whole game but I was crying on the court. It was the most heartbreaking thing.”
Kreiner, who coached Granholm for a club basketball team during her senior year, said her heavy heart will serve as an advantage for her next chapter.
“She has a great attitude. Works hard, and loves the game.”
Kreiner also mentioned Granholm is a great piece for a team that is undergoing a coaching and culture change.
“She will do everything the coach asks for. They will rely on her to be a team builder, and there’s no doubt she’ll be ready whatever her role may be.”
Granholm said she has already practiced with the team in North Bay, and said she is excited for what lies ahead.
“[The coach] told me I had the skills, I had the years, and I knew what I was doing. When she told me I got the spot, it was intimidating… but exciting.”
