Emilee Skinner: All-American, committed Duke recruit, and proud Riverhawk

When Ridgeline High School’s Emilee Skinner entered the 2025 ESPN Women’s Basketball Recruiting Draft, she was ranked fourth in the nation. As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Cache County School District is taking a moment to celebrate a Riverhawk who soars.

Skinner is one of the most accomplished teenage basketball players Utah has ever produced. She is a McDonald’s All-American, a two-time Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Year, a three-time Utah 4A State Champion, and a gold-medal winner for the U17 USA Women’s National Team at the 2024 FIBA U17 World Cup. Her journey, however, began like many young players: shooting hoops with her family.

“I grew up in a big sports family,” Skinner said. I loved going to the gym with my brothers; we would all play basketball together. My whole family plays it, and we all love it. We love being competitive. And from the time I was little, I loved playing, competing, and winning.”

Win, she did. The Riverhawks enjoyed a nearly flawless record during Skinner’s tenure as point guard. Ridgeline posted a 102-4 win/loss record during those four years, claiming three state championships.  Skinner scored 2,313 career points, the fourth-highest total in state history.

Now, with her high school chapter closing, Skinner is setting her sights on an even bigger stage: Duke University, where she’ll exchange Riverhawk green for Blue Devil blue. As she prepares for this transition, Emilee expresses excitement about the atmosphere, her teammates, and especially her new coach.

“I really clicked with the girls, and I got a really good feeling being there. And I also chose Duke so I could work with Coach Kara. She’s a great mentor, and she’ll teach me how to be a great point guard.” 

Off the court, Skinner admitted that it sometimes feels like her basketball career is all people focus on. While she gets that, she also hopes people see the girl behind the point guard.

“I’m a regular person,” she said. “I like to hang out with my family and friends and just have fun! I like to play pickleball, hang out at the pool, spend time in the sun, watch movies… a little bit of everything, really!” 

One thing is certain: wherever she plays, Skinner’s future looks like nothing but net.