Kendall Renard Verbally Commits to Green Bay

November 23, 2018

Green Bay Preble basketball star Kendall Renard commits to UWGB
Scott Venci, Green Bay Press-Gazette   Published 5:05 p.m. CT Nov. 23, 2018 | Updated 5:37 p.m. CT Nov. 23, 2018

GREEN BAY – Kendall Renard had no reason to drag her recruitment out any longer.

The Green Bay Preble junior forward planned to commit when it felt right, and when the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay offered her a scholarship, she knew the time had arrived.

Renard announced Friday she has committed to UWGB and coach Kevin Borseth, picking the school over a list that included Illinois State, IUPUI, Northern Illinois, Toledo, Miami of Ohio and North Dakota State.

Borseth is not allowed to comment on potential recruits, but the 6-foot-3 Renard will give the Phoenix another presence in the post a few seasons from now.

She was a second-team all-conference pick in the Fox River Classic Conference as a sophomore in 2017-18 after averaging a team-high 13.2 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks and ranking second with 34 steals.

The Phoenix extended an offer to Renard late last month, and she took an unofficial visit a short time later.

“When they offered me, I was kind of in shock,” Renard said. “I let it sink in. I didn’t want to wait any longer. I kind of had my mind made up.

“They have been recruiting me for a year or two, and I never really knew (if they would offer), so I just kind of worked and hoped that it would come along. I wasn’t for sure on anything.”

Renard is one of several local players the Phoenix is interested in or has recently landed.

Luxemburg-Casco senior guard Cassie Schiltz signed her letter of intent with the team last week. It also has offers out to Green Bay Southwest junior guard Jaddan Simmons, De Pere freshman guard Jordan Meulemans and Ashwaubenon freshman guard Lily Hansford.

Part of why Renard picked the Phoenix is the same reason a lot of area girls do.

“My friends and family are here, and it’s a winning program in history,” said Renard about a UWGB team that has captured 20 straight Horizon League regular season championships and has been to the NCAA tournament each of the last four seasons and 18 times overall. “I like the community and the campus.

“There was maybe like two or three other ones I was seriously considering, and I could see myself there, but it just came down to this community and GB. The more I thought about it, GB just stood out.”

Renard has gotten off to a strong start in Preble’s first two games this season while forming a strong duo with sophomore guard Carley Duffney, who also has the potential to be a DI player.  

She had 20 points in a win over Seymour and 19 points in a triple overtime loss to West De Pere.

Renard thought the recruiting process was stressful, but in a good way. It has been a busy four months since she received her first offer from Illinois State in July, but she can relax now.

“I can just focus on my high school season and playing basketball,” she said. “Don’t have to worry about being in the spotlight all the time.”

Renard gave a lot of credit to her Purple Aces AAU team for helping her develop, a program that includes Green Bay Preble coach Jim Doell and program director and former UWGB player Cordero Barkley.

She said Barkley wanted her to play for the Aces since she was in middle school, and that she would not be where she is now without him.

“We are very excited for Kendall and the Renard family,” Barkley said. “Kendall did a ton of research on each school, multiple pros and cons lists, went on the visits and watched a lot of games.

“So, I know she was very informed on her decision. I’m sure the community will be excited to see she chose to stay home.”