University of St. Thomas Athletics
2020-21 Women's Basketball Roster
Roster
Kaia Porter
- Class:
- Senior
- Hometown:
- Roseville, Minn.
- High School:
- Roseville
Academics: Biology major... named to multiple Dean's Lists, Academic All-MIAC... named NCAA Elite 90 recipient at March 2019 Final Four with top gpa among the four semifinal teams...
Tommie Career:
2020-21: Started all 7 games... scored 80 points (11.4 ppg), 14 assists... shot 50% from three-point and secured 30 rebounds...
2019-20: Was named to Preseason All-America team but missed most of the season recovering from surgery... played in four games and scored 19 points (4.8 ppg), nine assists... shot 50% from three-point and secured two total rebounds…converted at 46 percent of 3-point shots and 77 percent at foul line as sophomore starter in 2018-19 on 30-2, conference champion team...
Career: In 71 games, has 716 points, 278 rebounds and 147 assists. St. Thomas was 57-5 in her first two seasons. She has 78 made 3-pointers in 71 games.... Toms are 45-1 against conference opponents in games she's played on her career.
Career Highs: (through 2020-21): Points 23, Rebounds 13, Assists 6, Steals 5
Family:
Daughter of Jim and Rachel Trelstad-Porter, and has an older sister Kelsey (played soccer at Macalester College)
What did you do this summer?
This summer Kaia worked as a direct care professional for an organization called ACR Homes, and as a gardener/landscaper on the side. Additionally, the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee at St. Thomas formed a Racial Justice Work Group and began working on ways to get the athletic department more actively involved in anti-racism work.
What do you enjoy most about your teammates or the basketball program?
Kaia says how everyone (coaches included) are extremely passionate about basketball, but at the end of the day, they keep the game in perspective of a bigger life context and don't lose sight of the ultimate goals of building strong relationships and growing as people.
What makes St. Thomas Special?
Something that makes St. Thomas special for Kaia is that it is possible to have a balance of high academics and athletics, where you do not have to sacrifice one for the other. Navigating life as a student-athlete is not always easy, but it is so worth it and there are so many wonderful people and resources here to support you along the way.
What advice do you have for future Tommie Basketball players?
Kaia says to always remember to practice gratitude, even in the tough moments. Participating in college athletics is something many people never get to experience, and for those who do, the time is fleeting. Every moment you get to be out on the court doing what you love with people you love is truly a gift.
What is your favorite vacation spot/future destination?
Kaia has always dreamed of traveling to New Zealand someday and visiting the amazing places where The Lord of the Rings movies were filmed.
Who is your favorite athlete? (not limited to basketball)
Sabrina Ionescu
Who inspires you or who is your role model? Why?
Kaia’s sister inspires her because she is not afraid to be herself and she makes everyone around her feel valued.
What is on the top of your bucket list?
Kaia would really like to visit the countries of her ancestors (Norway, England, and Germany) to learn more about her family's history and immigration to the United States.
