Jefferson Hagen / MacEwan Athletics
EDMONTON – The leadership that Paige Knull provides for the MacEwan Griffins women's basketball team is immeasurable.
Her grit and defensive intensity on the floor makes it tough for head coach Katherine Adams to take her out of the lineup.
After this weekend, though, when graduating senior Knull plays her final two games in a Griffins uniform, she will have to try to find a replacement – and there may not be one.
"Paige has brought so much to this program and has seen her role evolve and her leadership abilities," said Adams. "She has been one that's been a great leader and set a great example for the number of young kids we have and is able to leave a legacy behind, set the tone and the standard for what these kids can expect.
"Obviously, you watch her play and (she brings) toughness, grittiness, work ethic and ability to defend – we're going to miss that."
Knull will join teammate Kerilynn MacLennan in playing her final game of a five-year career that began in 2013 when the Griffins were still competing in the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference. That year, they won the ACAC title and claimed a bronze medal at nationals.
That remains one of her fondest memories, but Knull, who has now also played four seasons at the Canada West level could hardly pick just one when asked to reflect on her career.
"When it we made it to Final Four, that was exciting because we were new to (Canada West)," she said the 2015-16 run to a fourth-place finish in the conference. "Then cheering for the guys during their playoff run against U of A (2015-16) was a great experience because it bonded both of our teams together.
"Also, a trip to Vancouver in my third year when we got to explore Kitsilano and Granville Island."
Knull first started playing basketball in Grade 7 as a forward, but transitioned to guard, she helped the St. Albert Catholic Skyhawks to four-straight provincial titles. Fellow high school teammates Kendall Lydon, Amber Easthope, Brielle Wise and Kayla Ivicak have played or are currently playing for the Griffins.
"Thank you to my family for being a constant support system," Knull said, also giving a shout out to all of her former and current coaches. "They made everything possible."
That will make this weekend an emotional one for Knull as she dons the Maroon and White for the final time.
"I think it's a very special moment for me and Keri," she said. "Five years here is a long time and I couldn't ask for a better teammate to be graduating with. Keri's been a great teammate and friend throughout my time here.
"I'm excited. We're both looking forward to the future, but we're sad to be leaving this behind."
The legacy she will leave, though, is bringing intensity to the court at all times. That gritty style of play has her second in scoring on the Griffins this season (11.2), third in rebounds (4.2), first in assists (2.6), second in steals (2.1) and fourth in blocks (0.3).
"I think our biggest thing this year is we knew we were rebuilding, but every game we wanted to come out and play tough, gritty – just play our style of basketball, win or lose," she said. "If we can do that, we're happy and that's the legacy I'm hoping to leave here."
