From Berlin to the Big Stage: Abby Kim ’26 Shines as a Scholar-Athlete

Indiana. California. New York. Texas. North Carolina.

Many states claim to be the "Hoops State," but Connecticut is too often overlooked. From Rebecca Lobo to Andre Drummond, the state has developed its fair share of pro basketball talent. At the college level, the University of Connecticut boasts two top-tier basketball teams that have combined for 18 national championships over the last 31 years and produced stars like Maya Moore, Kemba Walker, and Diana Taurasi, to name a few. To top it all off, the likes of St. Thomas More and Putnam Science Academy have managed to pick up a handful of National Prep Championships in the last 15 years. With all of that in mind, it's easy to see why Berlin-based Abby Kim ’26 grew up loving the sport.

"I grew up watching the Warriors and was a huge fan of the 'Splash Brothers' — Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Klay Thompson is one of the reasons I wear number 11 at Choate, being my favorite player," she explained. "UConn was my favorite college team, especially when Paige Bueckers played for them. She is my favorite women’s player that I emulated my game from."

Abby's passion for the game translated to the court from the moment she set foot on campus. Making the jump from the Saint Paul School in Kensington, Conn., to Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn., as a third former, she immediately landed a spot on the Girls' Varsity Basketball Team while playing AAU ball for the CT Starters and later, D4S with coach Donta Johnson. Still, she managed to keep up with her courses, which at times included honors courses in Arabic, calculus, and human anatomy and physiology.

"What made me successful at Choate was prioritizing time management. As a student-athlete, I had to use my time wisely. Making academics a non-negotiable, it made me prioritize how I use my time for other things, basketball being my biggest time commitment," she reflected. "Having a busy schedule did help me learn to study with less time once I went to a rigorous school like Choate. I felt that I was at my best academically during the winter months during the season."

She was also at her best athletically during the winter months. During her four years on the hardwood, she stepped up as the team's captain twice and helped lead the Wild Boars to 46 wins and four consecutive appearances in the NEPSAC Class A Girls' Basketball Tournament.

"My teammates throughout my basketball career gave me so many memories that I will never forget. This team sport allowed me to grow, learn, and lead, which wouldn't have happened without my teammates throughout my years playing," Kim said.

Kim's career at Choate ended with a run that can only be described as special. In the final month of the 2025-2026 regular season, Abby and the Wild Boars picked up a much-needed win against Miss Porter's School, an emphatic 24-point win against Hotchkiss on Senior Night, and a 33-point win against the school up north.

"This year, some of my favorite memories were games that we not only won but also reminded me why I loved playing this sport. Winning against Miss Porter's during a ‘make or break’ game to make playoffs; playing my final regular season game against Deerfield; and my senior day against Hotchkiss was so special, having so many of my friends supporting me," she added. "My Choate basketball career has been the most impactful experience of my high school journey."

But before she walks across the stage and accepts her diploma from Dr. Alex Curtis P ’17, ’20, all of Abby's work has earned her one more accolade — the JCC Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award. She received the award during the 63rd Annual Schoolboy/School Girl Basketball Classic, a showcase of high school talent in Connecticut and New Jersey.

"I am grateful to be recognized as one of the top seniors in Connecticut and able to play and receive the JCC Senior Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award," she said about the award. "Playing in the NEPSAC, there are fewer players recognized in the broader Connecticut area, so it meant a lot to me."

Abby will continue to represent Choate and her home state of Connecticut both on and off the court as she prepares to play at Williams College. Playing alongside All-American Honorable Mention guard Micah Walton and All-American Honorable Mention forward Kathleen Smith, Abby will look to learn and contribute as she jumps to the college ranks.

Photo Credit: Joseph M. Avena is a Digital Content Producer at Choate Rosemary Hall, bringing expertise in content creation and community engagement.

Editorial Credit: Ryan Shepard '14 is the Manager of Editorial Services at Choate Rosemary Hall, bringing 10+ years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and content strategy.