Kuhlman excited to continue basketball career at Peru State College

After serving as the starting point guard for the last three seasons, Louisburg’s Brianne Kuhlman will join the college basketball ranks at Peru State for the 23-24 season.

Brianne Kuhlman has been a vital part of the Louisburg girls basketball team the last three seasons.

Kuhlman was the Lady Cats’ starting point guard since her sophomore season and helped Louisburg to a third-place state finish back in 2021. Basketball, needless to say, has been a big part of her life.

So much so, that Kuhlman wasn’t ready to leave the sport that she loves behind.

Late in the spring, Kuhlman signed her letter of intent to play at Peru State College, an NAIA program in Peru, Neb., this upcoming season. It took her a little bit of time to decide, but when the finality of her high school career hit, Kuhlman knew she wasn’t ready to be done.

“I had been going back and forth for along time to decide to play or not,” Kuhlman said. “I thought about focusing on my education and just attend K-State for the best path for becoming a veterinarian. But it was around senior night I realized I wasn’t ready to be done yet, and there’s so many ways for my education route, but to have a chance to play basketball is only a one chance thing.”

After deciding to keep playing, Kuhlman needed to decide on where her new home would be and Peru State checked a lot of boxes.

“Peru State was the right fit for me but when I went there, we actually had very low thoughts that it was gonna even be an option,” Kuhlman said. “Then on the visit, the way the teachers and everyone was so welcoming and close, I just knew it was right for me. I only went on a few more visits after that and decided not to go on others. I just knew I loved the environment of Peru State and their science program and pre-vet options.”

Kuhlman was the floor general the past three seasons for Louisburg and was one of the top players in the Frontier League in 2023. She earned second team all-league honors.

On the season, she averaged 5.4 points and 3.7 rebounds a game. Kuhlman also led the team with 45 assists and had 26 steals.

“The Louisburg program really helped me to be prepared for the college level with all the extra summer work,” Kuhlman said. ‘The coaching staff was so encouraging and able to give me confidence and push me to play on. The program instills in us the little things that are gonna help me, and also instills in us a strong drive to always give 100 percent. I’m very lucky to have been a part of this program and the lessons it gave me to play on. Coach (Adrianne) Lane made so much possible and cared so much.”

Like she has done the last three seasons, Peru State recruited Kuhlman to be one of the team’s point guards and she is excited for her new opportunity. 

“They see me as a fit to remain as a point guard and being a big control player with leading and doing the little things like I was in high school,” Kuhlman said. “For myself, I just want to fit in with everyone and try new things. It will be super nice to have access to the gym so close anytime I want and have people to do that with, which is super exciting.”