From Norway to Logan, Karyn Sanford finds connection, growth at Utah State

For Karyn Sanford, basketball has always been part of her life. Playing college basketball far from her home in Bergen, Norway, has helped shape her into a more complete player and leader for Utah State.​     ​ 

Sanford, a senior guard on the Utah State Women’s Basketball team, grew up around the game. Both of her parents were basketball coaches and former players, and while she played multiple sports as a child, one stood out.  

“They gave me a choice to do a sport, and basketball had to be one of them,” Sanford said. “When you get older, you figure out which one you like most, and it was just always basketball that got me fired up.” 

Adjusting to the U.S. college game was not immediate. Sanford said differences in pace and physicality between European basketball and the NCAA forced her to reevaluate her approach.  

“It made me push myself to be better at all the little things that I didn’t really value before,” Sanford said. “Things that came super easy before, all of a sudden you have to put effort into.” 

Sanford arrived at Utah State with experience across multiple programs. Before joining the Aggies, she played at the University of Albany and later at Tarleton State University. Last season at Tarleton State, Sanford appeared in 28 games and averaged 4.2 points and 1.8 rebounds per game while shooting 91.7% from the free-throw line.  

She recorded season-high 14-point performances against the University of Nebraska and California Baptist University and played in 54 games over two seasons. 

After entering the transfer portal, Sanford said Utah State quickly emerged as the right fit. Familiarity with head coach Wes Brooks’ family and the culture within the program played a role in her decision.  

“It just felt right,” Sanford said. “I knew that this was a place I wanted to be just because of the community and the type of players that we have and the coaching staff.” 

Karyn Sanford shoots a basket against San Diego State at the Spectrum on Jan. 10.

One advantage for Sanford has been Utah State’s strong international presence. She said sharing similar experiences with teammates from abroad helped ease the transition. 

“There’s a feeling of being away from everybody that nobody understands unless they’re in the same situation,” Sanford said. “You bond way quicker with internationals because they understand what it’s like to be far from home.” 

Brooks said that shared background has helped strengthen team chemistry. 

“Even though they’re from different countries, they have similar stories,” Brooks said. “They all want to come to the States to play and do something special.” 

On the court, Brooks described Sanford as one of the most versatile players on the roster. 

“She can play one through five,” Brooks said. “Her size and her IQ allow her to do a lot of things.”  

He elaborated on her skill set, emphasizing how Sanford can impact the game in multiple ways. 

“I think she’s great. Her size allows her to drive and attack the rim really well and allows her to defend,” Brooks said. “Because of her size, her ability to pass and her IQ, she can do a lot of things. I refer to her as ‘a nice Draymond Green.’” 

Brooks added Sanford’s basketball intelligence is one of her greatest strengths.  

“Her IQ, her knowledge for the game, her feel for the game is just tremendous,” Brooks said. “I tell people she’s going to end up running the United States one day, just so brilliant with her intellect.” 

Sanford said her role on the team has evolved with each new challenge expanding her game.​     ​ 

“Initially, I was trying to be more of a shooter like I’ve always been. Because of the situation we’re in right now, I’m a little bit of everywhere, having to guard people in the post, but I’m also having to be a driver and facilitate the ball,” Sanford said. “But I think that’s good because it gives you a lot of versatility with lineups and with highlighting a lot of different people in different games.” 

Off the court, Brooks said Sanford has taken on a leadership role, particularly among younger and international players adjusting to college life.  

“She’s been a tremendous role model and mentor,” Brooks said. “She always cares about others.” 

As the season continues, Sanford said her focus remains on team success.  

“I want to do anything I can for us to be a great team,” Sanford said. 

For Sanford, Utah State has become more than another stop in her basketball journey. It has provided a sense of belonging far from home, built through shared experience and the game that brought her to Logan.