Washington County honors former Germantown star with 'KK Arnold Day'
GERMANTOWN, WI (CBS 58) - No matter how far she goes, KK Arnold always comes back to her roots.
Arnold held her second annual KK Arnold Basketball Camp at her alma mater Germantown high school. Young girls from grade 3-12 came to the gym to get some skill work on August 9th.
"Just the opportunity to see everybody," said Arnold. "Giving back as well to the little girls that looked up to me. I was once in their shoes so being able to give back means a lot."
This time around, there was a bonus. Washington County and the Village of Germantown declared August 9th KK Arnold Day.
"Super surreal honestly, " said Arnold. "Looking back at when I was in high school and looking where I am now, how far I've come. Just the ongoing support means a lot to me."
Arnold has accomplished a lot on the basketball court. The two-time Gatorade Player of the Year lead Germantown to a state title in 2021. Now, she is a national champion. Her UConn Huskies capped a 16-game winning streak by beating South Carolina 82-59 for the program's12th national title.
"That was really such a great experience," said Arnold. "Going into every game, trying to dominate and play as one."
The off-the-court journey was just as special as the on-court success.
"Just being together honestly all the off court little games that we did. The team bonding activities. How close we were, how fun it was," said Arnold.
Arnold heads back to Storrs for her junior season presumably as the team's starting point guard which comes with more responsibilities. She had the likes of Paige Bueckers and Kaitlyn Chen, both who are now in the WNBA, to learn lessons from.
"How they lead by example and how they talk to each and every one of their teammates," said Arnold. "(A way) that motivates us and makes us a better version of ourselves each and every day."
And she knows she has to pass that on to the newest members of the team.
"Being one of the upper classmen that the underclassman are going to look up to. Just showing up each and every day being a sponge but also teaching as well
Arnold and the Huskies start their title defense on the Ramstein Air Base in Germany against Louisville on November 4th.