Girls basketball: Naperville North grad Kampschroeder transfers to Michigan
Naperville North graduate Greta Kampschroeder called her second recruiting process a unique experience.
After electing to transfer following her lone season at Oregon State, Kampschroeder became one of the top players in the portal. She said her recruitment was vastly different from when she was looking for a college in high school.
"I definitely asked more questions and did some more research," Kampschroeder said. "It's also crazy with how full the transfer portal is and the extra COVID year that many players received. I was still careful to make sure I chose a place where I felt wanted and had opportunity."
The 6-foot guard wrapped up her recruiting by committing to Michigan on Sunday. She became the first former McDonald's All-American to sign with the Wolverines.
A dynamic player, Kampschroeder said she also considered Colorado and Illinois, but Michigan's recent run of success played a factor in her decision. The Wolverines reached the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
"Proximity did play a factor," she said. "I did keep my options open and did end up liking a couple schools a little farther. However, the four-hour drive to Ann Arbor was very appealing.
"I love the culture Coach (Kim Barnes) Arico has created. There's a competitive and winning spirit within her coaching staff and players. This team is destined for big things and I want to be a part of that. Ann Arbor felt like it could be home for me on my visit. I also have some family in Michigan who attend the school. I'm excited to play in the Big Ten. Growing up, I watched Big Ten women's basketball the most, so I wanted to be a part of that. I also get the opportunity at a world-class education."
Kampschroeder started 25 of 31 games for Oregon State, averaging 5.2 points and 2.5 rebounds in 21.5 minutes per game. She shot 33% on 3-pointers.
Kampschroeder admitted attending school in the Pacific Northwest was a tough challenge.
"It was definitely challenging in some ways," she said. "Growing up I always relied on my family when things got hard. Not having them around was an adjustment and honestly I never completely got used to it.
"But I think I learned more about myself as a player and person and realized what sorts of things I need to thrive. I'm also looking forward to coming back to the Midwest and playing in front of more friends and family."
Barnes Arico said Kampschroeder is a complete player, capable of taking over a game in many facets. Kampschroeder had a record-breaking career at Naperville North, with 1,735 points, 853 rebounds, 267 assists, 272 steals and 75 blocks.
"We are so excited that Greta chose to commit to Michigan," Barnes Arico said in a school release. "I have known Greta for a long time and she is a perfect fit for our program, especially for the culture we have created here. She is incredibly hardworking and disciplined, both as a basketball player and as a student. Greta's versatility and ability to do so many different things on the basketball court will immediately make an impact for us. She is the total package - an ability to score, a knack for making people around her better, defensive prowess, rebounding and leadership. Greta is a playmaker and a winner who has experience playing against the very best."