Germantown's Arnold is ready for 2nd season at UConn

 

GERMANTOWN, Wis. (CBS 58) -- For Germantown's KK Arnold, being home this summer was refreshing.

"It feels really good honestly," said Arnold.

Before returning to school, Arnold spent time at her former high school for a meet and greet event as well as a youth girls basketball camp. The camp filled up quickly. The overall support is hard for her to believe at times.

"Super still surreal in a way," said Arnold. "Just having that impact on this community and having that impact on little kids growing up wanting to be in my shoes. It's a very grateful opportunity that I'm in."

That support has only grown in Connecticut. Thanks to social media, Arnold quickly became a fan favorite. She has nearly half a million followers on TikTok.

"It definitely feels good having a great fanbase like UConn is known for just backing everything I do on social media and them seeing my goofy side and what I'm all about off the court and not just on it," said Arnold. "Just good energy to have."

On the court during her freshman season, Arnold shined as well. She started in 33 of 39 games scoring in double figures in 19 of them. She led the team in steals with 90. Arnold averaged 8.9 points per game, 3.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 steals last season. The Huskies also returned to the Final Four winning several close games including one over Syracuse, 72-64, thanks in part to Arnold hitting a late three to push UConn ahead.

But that is not her favorite moment from her first season.

"The USC game when we qualified for the Final Four," Arnold said of UConn's 80-73 win over USC. "I feel like we have an emotional side and an excitement side and that all came out at the end of the game. We went through a lot."

Her goals for her second season are simple.

"Just being a better leader," said Arnold.

Arnold will be a sophomore with All-American Paige Bueckers back on the team and Princeton transfer Ivy League Player of the Year Kaitlyn Chen also joining the team.

"I kinda get to watch her as well this year as well. After that just going to myself and going into the leader I can be and the player I can. Just finding my shots at the basket, finding my teammates, doing the same little stuff but just kinda progressing each and every game. That was the goal of the summer just working on the little things of my game."

UConn starts its season in November with the first competition set for November 3rd against Fort Hays State.

"Can't wait for second year, can't wait for y'all to see," said Arnold.