Northwestern University Athletics

Righeimer Joins Northwestern Women's Basketball
6/6/2024 1:34:00 PM | Women's Basketball
EVANSTON, Ill. - Northwestern women's basketball will welcome Kat Righeimer to the program ahead of the 2024-25 season, Head Coach Joe McKeown announced Thursday. Righeimer joins Xamiya Walton, Tayla Thomas and Claire Keswick in the 'Cats' class of 2028.
A native of Costa Mesa, Calif., Righeimer was a four-year varsity captain at Sage Hill School in Newport Beach. She averaged at least 11 points and five rebounds per game each season for the Lightning. At 6"1', Righeimer provides versatility, and she spent time at point guard, shooting guard and forward during her high school career. Her efforts helped Sage Hill School to the 2022 California Division 2 State Championship as well as back-to-back Pacific Coast League Championships in 2023 and 2024. She'll depart as the school record holder for most three-point makes in a game, with eight.
Righeimer also found success in club and AAU play, where she competed with WhyNot Premier in the EYBL throughout high school. Her 16u team finished ninth on the circuit in 2022. Prior to that, she trained and competed at Mamba Sports Academy, where she was coached by Kobe Bryant through 2020.
Why Northwestern: "I chose to pursue my athletic and academic career at Northwestern because I can receive a high-level academic education and play basketball at the D1 level. Northwestern allows me both to work hard and be successful - in school and on the court."
McKeown on Righeimer: "We would like to welcome Kat to the Wildcat program! She embraces the student-athlete concept on and off the court that has made us both a perennial Top-25 program and Big Ten Champions. She has played at such a high level in high school, and her work-ethic and unselfishness will be a great asset to the 'Cats. She also competes at a high level in the classroom - Northwestern is getting a TRUE Wildcat! So excited that she chose to join our program!"
Righeimer will join her fellow first years as well as incoming transfers Kyla Jones, Taylor Williams and Grace Sullivan as newcomers to McKeown's roster. The 'Cats have announced Big Ten home and road opponents, with dates, times and non-conference foes to be unveiled at a later date. Fans interested in supporting Northwestern women's basketball during the upcoming season can secure their spots in Welsh-Ryan Arena now with a season ticket deposit.
Welcoming a new Wildcat ??
— Northwestern Women's Basketball (@nuwbball) June 6, 2024
Excited to have you in the family, @KRigheimer! ?? pic.twitter.com/b0eEVatnGV
A native of Costa Mesa, Calif., Righeimer was a four-year varsity captain at Sage Hill School in Newport Beach. She averaged at least 11 points and five rebounds per game each season for the Lightning. At 6"1', Righeimer provides versatility, and she spent time at point guard, shooting guard and forward during her high school career. Her efforts helped Sage Hill School to the 2022 California Division 2 State Championship as well as back-to-back Pacific Coast League Championships in 2023 and 2024. She'll depart as the school record holder for most three-point makes in a game, with eight.
Righeimer also found success in club and AAU play, where she competed with WhyNot Premier in the EYBL throughout high school. Her 16u team finished ninth on the circuit in 2022. Prior to that, she trained and competed at Mamba Sports Academy, where she was coached by Kobe Bryant through 2020.
Why Northwestern: "I chose to pursue my athletic and academic career at Northwestern because I can receive a high-level academic education and play basketball at the D1 level. Northwestern allows me both to work hard and be successful - in school and on the court."
McKeown on Righeimer: "We would like to welcome Kat to the Wildcat program! She embraces the student-athlete concept on and off the court that has made us both a perennial Top-25 program and Big Ten Champions. She has played at such a high level in high school, and her work-ethic and unselfishness will be a great asset to the 'Cats. She also competes at a high level in the classroom - Northwestern is getting a TRUE Wildcat! So excited that she chose to join our program!"
Righeimer will join her fellow first years as well as incoming transfers Kyla Jones, Taylor Williams and Grace Sullivan as newcomers to McKeown's roster. The 'Cats have announced Big Ten home and road opponents, with dates, times and non-conference foes to be unveiled at a later date. Fans interested in supporting Northwestern women's basketball during the upcoming season can secure their spots in Welsh-Ryan Arena now with a season ticket deposit.
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