One June 23, Kienholz took an official visit to the University of Washington, which has ties to South Dakota. Milbank native Kalen DeBoer is Washington’s head coach, while Tyndall native Chuck Morrell is the co-defensive coordinator. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb was also an assistant coach at South Dakota State and University of Sioux Falls. 

Kienholz also took official visits to Wisconsin (June 3), Wyoming (June 10) and North Dakota State (June 19). Kienholz, a 6-foot-3, 185-pounder, is a three-star prospect according to recruiting services 247sports.com and Rivals.com. He’s the 42nd-ranked quarterback in the 2023 Class, according to 247sports.com.

This past fall, Kienholz led the Governors to a 10-2 season and their fifth straight Class 11AA state championship. In the 2021 state championship game, Pierre trailed Tea Area by a 27-7 score in the third quarter. That’s when Kienholz, both throwing and running the ball, orchestrated a 23-point heart-pounding comeback for the state championship. He racked up 537 total yards and four total touchdowns on his way to Joe Robbie MVP honors. 

For the season, the Class 11AA all-state quarterback threw for 3,359 yards and 37 touchdowns, while rushing for 1,165 yards and another 12 touchdowns on 146 carries. Entering his senior season, Kienholz has a school-record 5,678 passing yards and 58 passing touchdowns. He’s also rushed for 2,067 yards and 20 touchdowns. 

Kienholz is also an outstanding baseball and basketball player. He pitches and plays shortstop for Pierre High School and Post 8. On the hardwood, he’s a two-time all-stater and has scored more than 1,000 career points.