Elite 2025 recruit Grace Knox commits to LSU

Grace Knox, a top-15 recruit in the Class of 2025 from Rancho Cucamonga (California) Etiwanda High School, has committed to LSU, she told On3. She chose the Tigers over Tennessee, Texas and USC.

“I think when I first went on my visit, I felt like there was no sense of awkwardness and there was a sense of belonging,” Knox told On3. “I felt very comfortable with everybody throughout the whole entire trip. I was comfortable during the other trips, but with LSU, it kind of just felt right within myself.”

One major factor for Knox is development – and she feels that head coach Kim Mulkey can take her to the next level, both on and off the court. 

“I think I can go to the next level with the coaching of Kim Mulkey,” Knox said. “I think she has what it takes to take me to the next level and help me develop my bag. I think that another big reason is, along with all the schools, I could have great branding opportunities. I just feel like LSU exceeds the expectation as of right now in basketball. I feel like it’s the best place to be if you want to be branded correctly and for your name to be out there.”

Her relationships with the coaching staff were crucial in helping her feel confident in her decision. 

“I feel like I was able to make a bond where we have trust and I know that support and passion is coming from their side,” Knox said. “I know it’s not fake or anything. I feel like that was pretty important, just building that relationship and knowing that I can have open conversations with the coaching staff and be comfortable.” 

Knox also loves the way the Tigers play and Mulkey’s coaching style. 

“Based on how I play with a certain tenacity, I feel like they bring a lot of that to the table. I feel like they go at it. They’re gritty, which is the way I like to play…I feel like Kim Mulkey will push me to a different level. She’s controversial to some people, but the way she coaches, I’m okay with that. It’s something that I feel will actually help me. With how hard she may be on her players, or how she may talk – some people can’t really handle being talked to that way, but for me, I feel like being blunt and straightforward and telling me what I need to work on pushes me. It would help me thrive to be my best self with her as coach. She has a really good history with Baylor, and she’s one of the best coaches out there.”

LSU has put together an elite 2025 class which includes ZaKiyah Johnson, Divine Bourrage, Bella Hines and Knox.