But the senior definitely won’t complain when she finds herself with increased time on the sidelines this season.

“I’m not saying I’m going to like sitting on the bench,” Kemp said, “but it’s going to be good to be able to break and keep the momentum on the team.”

Last year, the forward might have felt pressured to stay on the court as the only true scoring option in the post.

She averaged 13.8 points in 33.3 minutes per game, remaining productive even though opposing teams often could center their defenses on her.

Kemp believes this should be less of a problem this season with the addition of freshman forwards Marija Zinic and Jen Orgas.

“They’re trying to earn their spot here just like everybody else who’s already been here,” Kemp said. “They’re really proving themselves when they go out there and play.”

The continuing development of sophomores Jamie Boyd and Taylor McIntosh also will factor into Kemp’s effectiveness this season.

“I think she’s been pretty consistent,” Kansas coach Bonnie Henrickson said, “when we’ve gotten her back and she’s been healthy.”

The Topeka High graduate hopes this will be the season her perseverance pays off.

Though many decided to change schools or quit after former coach Marian Washington retired two seasons ago, Kemp stuck it out along with teammate Erica Hallman.

“We’re the only two from our freshman class that are still here,” Kemp said. “We’ve played here all four years, and we’ve definitely created a connection on and off the court.”

Despite all the transition, Kemp said she was content with where she had ended up and also satisfied knowing she had made it through.

“It’s definitely special,” Kemp said. “We’re glad we both can continue to play here for our last year. Hopefully, we can go out with a bang.”

Henrickson will look to Kemp to again be a constant in what was often an inconsistent offense last season.

As a junior, Kemp averaged team-highs in both points and rebounds (8.8) and also was the only Jayhawk to shoot over 50 percent from the field.

Known as a somewhat quiet player, Kemp was more a model by example for last year’s squad.

“I still think Crystal for whatever reason shies from that a little bit,” Henrickson said, “and you can’t ask someone to be a leader if they don’t have that in them.”

The senior continued to move up the all-time charts, becoming only the 11th player in Kansas history to reach 1,000 points and 500 rebounds in her career.