Kirsten “KK” Deans, a 5’8″ guard for the Ole Miss women’s basketball team, has demonstrated remarkable commitment and leadership throughout her collegiate career. Hailing from Greensboro, North Carolina, Deans began her journey at West Virginia University, where she played from 2019 to 2022. During her junior year, she averaged a team-best 14.5 points per game before suffering a season-ending knee injury. Despite this setback, she earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors.
In the 2022-23 season, Deans transferred to the University of Florida. She appeared in all 34 games for the Gators, making 29 starts and leading the team with an average of 14.1 points per game. Notably, she scored a season-high 30 points against the eventual national champions, LSU, and recorded seven games with 20 or more points.
Deans joined Ole Miss for the 2023-24 season as a graduate student. Unfortunately, her season was cut short due to another knee injury after just six games. Prior to the injury, she showcased her versatility by scoring a season-high 16 points and recording eight assists and seven rebounds against Temple. This injury marked the second significant knee injury of her career, testing her resilience and determination.
During her rehabilitation, Deans embraced a leadership role from the sidelines. She became a “coach on the bench,” studying game film extensively and providing guidance to her teammates. This period allowed her to deepen her understanding of the game and foster stronger relationships within the team.
Returning to the court for the 2024-25 season, Deans has made a significant impact. She started seven of the first eight games, averaging 9.2 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. In the season opener against USC in Paris, she led all scorers with 19 points, including four three-pointers, demonstrating her readiness to compete at the highest level.
Deans’ leadership extends beyond her on-court performance. Her teammates and coaches regard her as the “lieutenant” of the team, a leader who wears many hats and always provides what the team needs without complaint. Her constant communication and guidance have been instrumental in the development and cohesion of the team.
In a recent game against Auburn on January 2, 2025, Deans scored a season-high 20 points, including four three-pointers, leading Ole Miss to an 85-58 victory. This performance underscores her ability to deliver in crucial moments and her importance to the team’s success.
Off the court, Deans has expressed gratitude for the experiences and challenges she faced in 2024. In a social media post, she thanked the year for all the