20 Facts About WNBA Star Kelsey Plum

Early Life and Background

Kelsey Plum's journey to becoming a WNBA star is filled with interesting details about her early life and background. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about her beginnings.

1. Born in Poway, California
   Kelsey Plum was born on August 24, 1994, in Poway, California. This sunny city in San Diego County is where her story began.

2. Athletic Family
   Coming from a family of athletes, Kelsey’s parents and siblings all played sports. Her mother was a volleyball player, her father played football and baseball, and her sisters played volleyball.

3. High School Star
   Kelsey attended La Jolla Country Day School, where she became a basketball sensation. She led her team to four consecutive CIF Division IV state championships.

College Career

Kelsey's college career at the University of Washington is nothing short of legendary. Here are some key highlights from her time as a Husky.

4. All-Time Leading Scorer
   Kelsey Plum became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA Division I women's basketball history, finishing her career with 3,527 points.

5. Senior Year Dominance
   In her senior year, she averaged 31.7 points per game, leading the nation in scoring. Her performance earned her the Naismith College Player of the Year award.

6. Pac-12 Player of the Year
   Kelsey was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2017, a testament to her dominance in the conference.

Professional Career

Kelsey's transition to the WNBA was seamless, and she quickly made a name for herself in the professional league. Here are some notable facts about her professional journey.

7. First Overall Pick
   In the 2017 WNBA Draft, Kelsey was selected as the first overall pick by the San Antonio Stars, now known as the Las Vegas Aces.

8. Rookie Season
   During her rookie season, she averaged 8.5 points and 3.4 assists per game, showing promise for her future in the league.

9. Career-High Game
   Kelsey scored a career-high 32 points in a game against the New York Liberty in 2018, showcasing her scoring ability.

International Play

Kelsey has also represented the United States in international competitions, bringing home several accolades. Here are some highlights from her international career.

10. FIBA U19 World Championship
    Kelsey helped the USA win gold at the 2013 FIBA U19 World Championship, contributing significantly to the team's success.

11. Pan American Games
    In 2015, she played for Team USA at the Pan American Games, where they won a silver medal.

12. FIBA 3×3 World Cup
    Kelsey participated in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, helping the USA team win gold in 2014.

Personal Life

Beyond the court, Kelsey Plum has an interesting personal life that adds depth to her public persona. Here are some intriguing facts about her life off the court.

13. Academic Achievements
    Kelsey graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in anthropology, balancing her academic and athletic commitments.

14. Philanthropy
    She is actively involved in charitable work, supporting causes related to education and youth sports.

15. Social Media Presence
    Kelsey has a strong social media presence, where she engages with fans and shares glimpses of her life and career.

Awards and Recognitions

Kelsey's talent and hard work have earned her numerous awards and recognitions throughout her career. Here are some of the most notable ones.

16. WNBA All-Star
    Kelsey was named a WNBA All-Star in 2021, highlighting her status as one of the league's top players.

17. WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year
    In 2021, she won the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award, recognizing her impact off the bench.

18. Naismith Award
    Kelsey received the Naismith Award in 2017, given to the top player in women's college basketball.

Fun Facts

To round things off, here are some fun and lesser-known facts about Kelsey Plum that fans might find interesting.

19. Nickname
    Kelsey’s nickname is "Plumdog Millionaire," a playful nod to her last name and her impressive skills on the court.

20. Love for Dogs
    She is a dog lover and often shares pictures of her pets on social media, showing her softer side away from basketball.

Kelsey Plum: A True Game Changer

Kelsey Plum's journey in the WNBA is nothing short of inspiring. From her record-breaking college career to becoming a key player for the Las Vegas Aces, she's shown incredible talent and determination. Her achievements, like setting the NCAA scoring record and winning a gold medal with Team USA, highlight her dedication to the sport.

Beyond the court, Kelsey's commitment to community service and her advocacy for women's sports make her a role model. She's not just a star athlete but also a positive influence, encouraging young girls to pursue their dreams.

Kelsey's story is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and passion. As she continues to make waves in the WNBA, there's no doubt she'll keep inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike. Keep an eye on Kelsey Plum—she's just getting started!