By John Hepokoski
UWRF Sports Information

The UW-River Falls women's basketball team is young and athletic with a great future in front of it.   Kim Sorenson is one of the bright spots for the present team and the future.

Sorenson started playing basketball in first grade with influence from her father. "I picked up basketball at a young age and I learned to love it," said Sorenson, a Blaine, Minn., native.

Basketball was not her only sport as she was growing up, Sorenson also played soccer.

Sorenson went to Blaine High School and played varsity ball right away. She lettered in each of her four years and made the All-Conference team in her senior season. Throughout her career Sorenson averaged 10 points, four rebounds, five assists and five steals per game.

"I'll always remember high school and getting second at state my sophomore year."

Sorenson was recruited by Falcon Coach Cindy Hovet and after making a visit to the River Falls campus and watching some games, she decided that she wanted to be a Falcon.

"Kim is just a spark of energy when she enters the game," said Hovet. "She comes out and plays solid defense and is improving her offensive game."

In her freshman season, Sorenson was only able to see playing time in eight games due to injuries to her shoulder and knee. In those eight contests, Sorenson averaged 12 minutes and played tenacious defense.

Sorenson's favorite game from her freshman year was the game she started against Hamline. The Falcons won the game, 72-68.

"Even though I was injured most of the season, I still gained a lot of basketball knowledge from Coach Hovet," said Sorenson.

Sorenson's sophomore season has been solid as she has played in every outing. Once again she is playing strong defense and keeping the Falcons in games. She is averaging just under 20 minutes of playing time each game and is making the most of it. She has scored 26 points and grabbed 33 rebounds. She also has 23 assists, 21 steals and three blocks.

"We have something to look forward to in the next couple seasons out of Sorenson," said Hovet.

Sorenson said the main difference in her game this season compared to last is that she is definitely less nervous to go out and play.

"My goal for the rest of this season, and for future years, is to improve on my offensive game because I am really pass orientated at the moment," said Sorenson.

In her spare time Sorenson enjoys hanging out with her friends and listening to a variety of music. "I will always remember our first summer league game when I got to finally play with all the girls who are now friends."

Sorenson is majoring in health & human performance and plans on graduating in the spring of 2009.

"I have learned a lot from being at River Falls, especially how to balance the lifestyle of a student athlete."

The Falcons could not be happier to have Sorenson in the future to build around.

Kim Sorenson