Knierim began a partnership with Andrea Poapst in July 2010. They won the junior title at the 2011 Midwestern Sectional Championships and the junior silver medal at the 2011 U.S. Championships. Poapst/Knierim won the gold medal at the 2011 Ice Challenge, their first senior international together. They parted ways at the end of the 2011–2012 season.