Kniya Godfrey

Kids to Know: Kniya Godfrey, 10th Grade, Bloomingdale High School

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Want to guarantee a slam dunk of success on the basketball court? Kniya Godfrey says you’ll need to stay humble, trust your teammates and always be willing to learn … and she’s speaking from experience. As a freshman, she was a part of The Lady Bulls, Bloomingdale High School’s girls’ basketball team that made school history when they took home the program’s first basketball state championship.

It was a moment that proved that it really does take teamwork to make the dream work. And she’s ready to do it again this school year.

Congratulations on the big win! What was going through your mind when the final buzzer sounded and you realized you’d just made school history?

Kniya Godfrey: I felt so proud and honored to be part of something so historic for our school. Even though I didn’t play a lot, it meant a lot to be called up from JV after scoring 30 to 40 points a game and to know my coaches trusted me to help the team.

What do you think made this team so special and capable of winning the first state championship for Bloomingdale?

Kniya Godfrey: I think what made our team so special was our chemistry, how much we trusted each other and how dedicated everyone was.

What first inspired you to start playing basketball, and how long have you been playing?

Kniya Godfrey: I’ve been playing basketball for a couple of years because I love the energy of the game and being part of a team.

What do you love most about being part of the Bloomingdale girls’ basketball team?

Kniya Godfrey: What I love most about Bloomingdale girls’ basketball is how close we all are and how we push each other to get better every day.

How do you balance schoolwork, practices, and games throughout the season?

Kniya Godfrey: Balancing school and basketball can be tough, but I stay organized and make school a priority.

Are there any pre-game routines or rituals you always follow before a big game?

Kniya Godfrey: Before games, I listen to music and visualize making good plays to get focused.

Is there a teacher or staff member who’s made a big impact on you? What have they taught you, on or off the court?

Kniya Godfrey: My coaches have really inspired me by always believing in me and helping me grow on and off the court.

What advice would you give to younger athletes who dream of playing in high school and maybe winning a championship one day?

Kniya Godfrey: My advice to younger athletes is to work hard, stay humble and always be willing to learn and support your team.

Where do you see yourself in the next few years, on the court and beyond?

Kniya Godfrey: In the next few years, I see myself becoming a key player on varsity and growing into a leader.

This year, our district’s theme is “Leading the Way,” highlighting how our schools are preparing students for life. How do you feel your teachers and school experiences are helping you grow academically, personally and in preparing for your future?

Kniya Godfrey: My teachers and coaches are helping me build confidence, responsibility and prepare for my future.

What are your favorite things to do with your family in Tampa Bay?

Kniya Godfrey: Outside of basketball, I love going to the beach, trying new places to eat and hanging out with my family in Tampa Bay.

 

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Originally published in the August 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.