Meet the Newcomers: Adit Kuol

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Adit Kuol began playing basketball at the age of 13. Her talent eventually earned her a scholarship to play and study in the United States, where she built a new community through basketball. Now a Golden Gopher, she credits Minnesota's supportive coaching staff and welcoming team environment as the primary reasons for her commitment. Now in her first year, she's looking forward to growing as both a player and a person.

Gopher Sports: Can you take me through your background?

Adit Kuol: "I'm originally from South Sudan, but I grew up in Uganda. I started playing basketball when I was about 13 years old. I come from a very big family, I have six siblings. The reason why I started basketball is just to make a life better for myself and my family. I ended up getting a scholarship, and I came here to the United States and started playing basketball and going to school at the same time."

GS: What was it like coming to the United States on your own?

AK: "You've got to do what you've got to do. I've been trying to fit in in new places all the time. Through basketball, I built new families, which have been a big part of my basketball career and life. That's why basketball is very important to me. I've met really nice people, people who have cared for me."

GS: When did you really start to improve and realize that you had a future in basketball?

AK: "I worked really hard before I came to the United States. I would work on my ball handling, stuff like that. I just felt like I was getting better all the time. It was little by little, bit by bit. When I came to the United States, I got the experience of organized games and worked on getting used to the way they played. I felt like I was getting better. Having the experience of organized basketball made me better."

GS: What made Minnesota stand out to you during your recruiting process?

AK: "Honestly, the coaches were the biggest part of me committing. They want to make you better, which I really liked that about them. I knew if I came here, I would get so much better basketball-wise, even just as a person. So that's why I chose Minnesota."

GS: How has it been transitioning to college life and a new city?

AK: "It's been good. I've met my teammates and a few of the gymnasts. Everyone has been so welcoming and nice."

GS: What's been your favorite part about being at Minnesota so far?

AK: "My favorite part is getting to play basketball and being with my teammates. It's really nice having such a great team."

GS: What are your first few takeaways from practice so far?

AK: "Every practice, you're going to learn something new. You just have to stay focused and be positive with yourself. It's okay to make mistakes, but just stay focused and work hard."

GS: What are you looking forward to most in your first season as a Golden Gopher?

AK: "Our first official practice and being with my team. So yeah, that's what I'm looking forward to most."

GS: For someone who has never seen you play before, how would you describe your playing style?

AK: "I like to play hyped up. Once I'm hyped up, I'm going to do great stuff. That's how I feel about myself."

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