One of the first schools to express interest was her runner up the first go around, Gonzaga. “I didn’t really consider any other schools,” Kingma said of opening her options beyond Gonzaga and Washington. “But a lot of schools contacted me.” The short list included Arizona, California, Oregon, Oregon State and USC.

“I didn’t know what to say until they got a new coach,” Kingma added. “What if the new coaches (didn’t) like my game?”

Her plan was to play out the spring and summer viewing cycle to see if the new coaches had interest and see if Washington was still the best fit for her as she had a hard time telling Gonzaga no the first time. Sounds easy right? Try a bout with mononucleosis in the spring that took until mid-July to shake and right when you’re getting your conditioning back tear cartilage in your shoulder.

The talent was there and the new coaching staff at “U-Dub”, a nickname often used by students and fans, were sold that she fit into their new up-tempo style of play. On her official visit last weekend Kingma too was sold on the style of play after watching the team practice with fellow prospect Liz Lay who is ranked No. 18 in the class. She loved the in your face defensive style and how intense and positive the energy was.

On the visit the two went to a dinner party at Coach Jackson’s house that hosted both the women’s team and Lorenzo Romar’s men’s team, noting Romar’s skills at pool. “On my visit things just fell into place,” Kingma said.

“It wasn’t because I didn’t like Gonzaga,” Kingma said of her commitment. “There’s that one school that fits someone the best and for me it was Washington.”

The departure from Gonzaga was very difficult for Kingma. “Right away when June left Gonzaga contacted me and that was a great comfort,” Kingma added. “We built up an even stronger relationship than before. I love the coaches there.”