Teresa Kiewiet is a civil engineering major from Minnesota. Kiewiet, a junior guard, has been a member of the Lafayette Leopards women's basketball team since her freshman season and has developed into a consistent leader for the program on and off the court. 

"There are definitely times when balancing engineering and basketball can be challenging, but being proactive with homework and exam preparation helps me manage my time effectively." Teresa Kiewiet says. 

Her performance and academic success have resulted in conference recognition. She was selected as a member of the All-Patriot League Second Team and named the 2025–26 Patriot League Women's Basketball Scholar-Athlete of the Year. Kiewiet is the first Lafayette Leopard in over two decades to receive the award, and the first engineering major in conference history as well as the first women's basketball player in Lafayette College history to earn the honor.

On College Hill

What first sparked your interest in engineering, and how challenging is it to balance the workload with basketball?
My interest in engineering started in high school when I took an Intro to Engineering class that exposed me to the world of engineering and STEM. There are definitely times when balancing engineering and basketball can be challenging, but being proactive about homework and exam studying helps me manage my time.

What are your long-term career aspirations?
I want to become a licensed Professional Civil Engineer and work on projects that improve people's lives.

Outside of basketball, what do you like to do during the summer?
Outside of basketball, I enjoy swimming and fishing during the summer at home.

Coaching and Mentorship

When did you first start playing basketball?
I first started playing on an organized basketball team in 3rd grade, but have been around the sport since I can remember.

Who has been your favorite professor, and what class do they teach?
My favorite instructor has been Professor Kurtz. He teaches in the civil engineering department, and I have had him for Statics, Steel Design and Analysis. Currently I am in his Structural Dynamics course.

What is the best advice you've received during your college career?
The best advice I have received has been to never lose confidence in yourself, no matter the circumstances.

Who is your biggest inspiration outside of basketball?
My biggest inspirations outside of basketball are my parents. Seeing how hard they work and how much they sacrificed for me to get to the place I am inspires me every day.

If you could train with any athlete (past or present), who would it be and why?
I would train with Kyrie Irving because he is one of the most skilled basketball players of all time, and I would want to learn from his elite ball-handling ability.

Off the Court Faves

What is your favorite hobby outside of basketball?
I enjoy going on walks and running outside on nice days.

What is your favorite social media app?
My favorite social media app is TikTok.

What is your favorite clothing brand or store?
My favorite clothing brand is probably Nike.

What were your favorite childhood movies or TV shows? Did you grow up watching Disney or Nickelodeon?
I grew up watching Disney Channel and loved shows like Phineas and Ferb and Wizards of Waverly Place.

What is a hidden talent that most people don't know about you?
A hidden talent I have is remembering song lyrics.

Are you more of a daytime person or a night owl?
I am definitely more of a daytime person, and I feel most productive when I get up early.

Within The Huddle

What has been your favorite off-the-court team memory so far?
My favorite off-the-court team memory was going to the beach with the team on the 4th of July, my freshman summer here.

If your team were a cartoon show, which show would it be and which character are you?
If the team were a cartoon show, we would be SpongeBob SquarePants, and I would be Sandy because I am very competitive and like doing hands-on things.

Do you have a pregame ritual or routine you swear by?
I try not to have superstitions, I like to mix up my pregame routine.

Beyond The Court

Who would be on your basketball Mount Rushmore?
My basketball Mt. Rushmore is Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Maya Moore, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Who is your favorite NBA team and WNBA team?
My favorite NBA team is the Minnesota Timberwolves, and my favorite WNBA team is the Minnesota Lynx.

What is your favorite basketball  movie of all time?
My favorite basketball movie is Coach Carter.

If your team donated to a charity every time you scored a basket, which charity would you choose and why?
I would choose the American Cancer Society because they do important work helping to fight cancer at every stage, from research to patient support.

On The Road 

Who or what is on your go-to playlist for workouts or game days?
My go-to game day playlist usually includes lots of Rihanna.

What is your favorite comfort food after a long road game?
I love some good pizza after a road game.