Black History Month: Brian Kimble

Brian Kimble, a native of Stevenson Ranch, Calif., transferred to UW-River Falls and was the team's starting point guard from 2010-12. During his time in River Falls, the Falcons achieved several program firsts. Kimble was part of the program's first WIAC tournament championship team his senior year in 2012. He also helped the Falcons earn a berth into the NCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament for the first time in school history, qualifying in back-to-back seasons. 

Kimble played in 56 career games at UWRF, was an All-WIAC Honorable Mention in 2012 and earned the team's Mr. Defense Award in 2011. In his two years as a Falcon, UWRF put together back-to-back 20-win seasons, and he led the team with an average of 33.2 minutes played in his final year. Currently, Kimble is an assistant basketball coach at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, Calif., a position he has held since 2014.

Q: You were a member of UWRF's first WIAC tournament championship team in 2012. What are you most proud of looking back at that group and what set your team apart?

Kimble: Looking back at our team, I’m most proud of us sticking together and accomplishing that goal we set out to do as a team. It’s always cool being the first to do something like that. I think what set us apart as a team is the confidence we had in each other. We all believed everyone would make the right play at the right time for the good of the team.
 
Q: When you think about your time as a Falcon, what moment(s) stick out as the most memorable? What do you miss most?

Kimble: My most memorable moment was beating UW-Whitewater in Whitewater in the WIAC Tournament Championship game [in 2012] and getting the chance to cut their nets down. Other memorable moments were getting the chance to play in front of my parents, especially on the road in Seattle and then all the memories made with my teammates. I miss hanging out with my teammates and all the cool people I was able to meet in River Falls.

Q: As a California native and transfer student-athlete, what led you to UW-River Falls?

Kimble: Thankfully basketball led me to River Falls and it turned out to be a great decision on and off the court.

Q: What advice do you have for your former self or current UWRF student-athletes?

Kimble: Advice I would give my former self is to just take it all in and enjoy the moment. Don't be in such a rush to get through it.

Q: Who inspired or encouraged you the most during your time at UWRF?

Kimble: All of my teammates and coaches inspired and encouraged me in my two years at River Falls. Not having family around, I really appreciated the family atmosphere the team and coaches allowed to come together. I never felt like I was alone or out there by myself because my teammates and coaches were always checking on me and helping me get integrated into Midwest lifestyle. They all helped me on the basketball court, in the classroom, and socially and I truly appreciate all of them for that.

Q: How did your time as a student-athlete add to your overall experience?

Kimble: My time as a UWRF basketball player added to my overall experience because it gave me a new family right away coming from California. I never felt like I was doing anything alone. I always had help or guidance so I was comfortable going around. It has helped me in my post graduate career because it showed me true hard work pays off. It has also helped me by going through the experience of connecting with people from different backgrounds and finding common grounds.