CBS 58's Hometown Athlete: Hartford's Makena Christian is ready for the next level

HARTLAND, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Like any kid, Hartford senior Makena Christian played several sports growing up, but nothing felt like having a basketball in her hand.

"I just liked the game in general, the people I played with, just everything about it," said Christian.

Her parents played in their youth and little did Christian know what was in store for her in her high school career.

Christian played a big role in her freshman season with Hartford, and as a junior, she helped the Orioles make their first state appearance in 24 years before falling to Neenah 77-70 in the semifinals.

"It was just a cool experience because none of us had ever done that before, like ever been there with other sports, so it was a good experience overall," said Christian.

Along the way, Christian became one of just six girls' basketball players in the history of Wisconsin to join the 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds club. In four seasons, per WisSports.net, Christian finished with 2,252 points and 1,037 rebounds to join Jessica Lindstrom of Superior, Megan Gustafson of South Shore, Allazia Blockton of Dominican, Leah Earnest of Stevens Point, and Sydney Cherney of Reedsburg in the exclusive club.

"Freshman year, I was just hoping to get 1,000 points maybe," said Christian. " I definitely don't think I could have done it without my teammates, so I definitely give them a lot of credit for everything."

Up next, Christian stays close to home to play for Minnesota Golden Gophers. She will be rejoining an old AAU teammate with the Wisconsin Lakers, Kettle Moraine's Grace Grocholski.

"When I played with her, obviously she was a great shooter, and she used her body well and she's tall and everything. When she was younger, I think she had all those qualities in her and they've just grown," said Grocholski, a soon-to-be Minnesota junior.

Grocholski has started 72 games in her two years at Minnesota, earning All-Big Ten freshman team honors in her first year and All-Big Ten honorable mention honors this past season.

"When she came on her visit, I was her host. So, I got to tell her all the good things about it and that she could come there," said Grocholski. "I think it will be really good for her."

Christian says she chose Minnesota because the coaching staff was one of the first to reach out to her during the recruiting process in eighth grade, as well as its proximity to home. She will be the first member of her family to play any sport collegiately, hoping to set an example for her younger sister, Josie.

Christian has no expectations for herself at the next level but is ready to grow.

"Playing with girls who are at the next level and there already, that's what I'm most excited for," said Christian.