One of the most versatile and accomplished players to take the court for the University of Mary women's basketball program, Shaunna Knife established herself as a dominant force on both ends of the floor during her Marauders career from 2009 to 2013. A native of White Shield, North Dakota, Knife brought an exceptional combination of athleticism, leadership, and determination to Bortke Court, becoming one of the program's most respected scholar-athletes.
Known for her ability to impact every aspect of the game, Knife could change the momentum of a contest with a timely steal, a blocked shot, a perfectly placed pass, or a clutch basket. Her all-around abilities helped her reach the 1,000-point career scoring milestone and earned her recognition among the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's (NSIC) top players.
Knife played an instrumental role in the Marauders' appearance in the NCAA Division II Women's Basketball Tournament during the 2011–12 season. As a senior in 2012–13, she helped lead UMary to a 19–11 overall record and a 13–9 mark in NSIC play. Her outstanding defensive abilities earned her NSIC Defensive Player of the Year honors, while her contributions on both ends of the court secured her a place on the All-NSIC First Team.
Among her most memorable performances were a game-winning basket against nationally ranked Concordia-St. Paul and helping lead the Marauders to an upset victory over nationally ranked Wayne State on their home court. These moments reflected her competitive spirit and ability to deliver when her team needed her most.
Following her time at the University of Mary, Knife earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education in 2014 and returned to her hometown of White Shield, where she has dedicated her career to educating, mentoring, and coaching Native American youth.
Today, Knife serves as a seventh-grade teacher at White Shield School District, where she also coaches junior high and high school girls basketball and esports. She additionally works at her local community recreation and fitness center, helping young athletes develop their skills and confidence.
For Knife, one of her greatest accomplishments has been fulfilling her lifelong dream of teaching and coaching Native American youth, using the lessons learned through athletics to make a lasting difference in her community.
Knife resides in White Shield with her spouse, Emilou Come-Knife, and their two dogs, Hooper and Peanut.
A 1,000-point scorer, NSIC Defensive Player of the Year, and All-Conference First Team selection, Shaunna Knife's outstanding accomplishments and continued dedication to developing the next generation of scholar-athletes have earned her a place in the Marauders Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
