Kim Knowles (1989) - Hall of Fame - University of Akron Athletics

Kim Knowles

Induction:
1989
Class:
1984

1976-78
Basketball
‘84

Kim Knowles was one of the early pioneers in women’s athletics at UA. The Barberton native transferred from Malone College in 1974, this year that women’s basketball became a varsity sport. After sitting out a mandatory year, she became one of the dominating players during the 1975 through 1978 seasons. In the first season the 5-9 Knowles finished second in scoring behind Hall of Famer Sue Davis with 10.5 points per games. However, Kim did top the team in rebounds with a record breaking 219 caroms including 28 grabs versus Wittenberg in the Ohio AIAW Tournament. Those 28 rebounds remain today as the all-time UA record. During her junior and senior campaigns, she paced the women cagers in both scoring and rebounding. Against Ohio State she connected for a career high 20 points as a junior and sank 11 of 14 free throws versus Wooster in 1978. Those 11 free throws also remain today as the standard to beat. For her outstanding play, Knowles was voted the Most Valuable Player in both her junior and senior campaigns. “Kim was by far our most consistent player throughout 1977 and 1978,” said her coach, Mary Ann Tripodi.