Spending her winters camped in the paint is merely a fraction of her multiple interests, which include performing as a blue-chipper in volleyball and as a leader in student government. Not to mention she boasts a 4.6 GPA in the classroom. To Gross’ way of thinking, it’s all about time management.
"I try to stay on top of things," the 5-foot-10 post said. "I like to think I have a good memory, but I keep all my schedules and calendars on the refrigerator."
Kim Gross, Santana
Courtesy photo
The Gross family refrigerator is full of schedules. Kim’s father Dave is the Santana football coach and her brother T.D. is a tight end on the team.
Considering Gross is engrossed in basketball season at the moment doesn’t mean that is her lone focus. She’s Santana’s ASB secretary and also is involved in the school’s closed-circuit television news broadcasting system. Next year she plans to run for ASB president.
This, of course, follows a record volleyball season for Santana, which captured its first Grossmont North League championship since 1989. Gross was the team’s Most Valuable Player.
So does that mean Gross prefers volleyball more than basketball? She declined to make a choice, noting that she enjoys both.
"I have a lot of fun playing volleyball," she said. "Basketball is more demanding. I think I am harder on myself and expect more of myself in basketball since I’ve been playing it since the fifth grade."
Santana basketball coach Mark Tipton is convinced that Gross has a future at the next level. He believes that Gross is capable of playing whatever sports she chooses.
"My home position at basketball is as a post," Gross said. "But the majority of the people I cover are taller and faster than I am. But I’m usually more aggressive than most of the people I guard."
College recruiters are not sure which way they should approach Gross. Probably the majority of them view her as a volleyball player, yet others see her as a basketball player and possible lacrosse standout. Other colleges envision her as a possible track competitor in the shot put and discus.
"She is compassionate no matter what she’s does," said Santana senior point guard Alyssa Padberg.
All of those wooing Gross are aware of her academic excellence, and Pacific, Northern Arizona and Simpson College have all offered scholarships.
"I haven’t decided, but I think it’s all about my major," Gross said.
She’s thinking of a major in journalism with a minor in broadcast journalism.
"Whatever it is, I want to focus on some kind of communication," she said, noting that she is interested in sports news production.
There are plans in the works that Santana will conduct closed-circuit TV coverage of boys basketball in the future. Gross said she’d love to be the play-by-play announcer for those telecasts.
"I’ve tried being involved in broadcasting," she said. "After my dad’s team beat Imperial I interviewed him after the game. It was kinda weird, but I felt comfortable doing it."
Kim Gross at a glance
Size: 5-10
Position: Wing
College: Undecided (2011)
Birthplace: Lancaster, Calif.
Nickname: Kimbo
Favorite athlete: Jordan Franey (UC Santa Barbara)
Favorite pro team: Chargers
Favorite sports movie: Remember the Titans
Favorite book: Final Shot
