What does it take to transform from a player struggling to find her footing to a valued contributor in the fiercely competitive world of professional basketball? For Karlie Samuelson, the answer lies in unwavering dedication, relentless improvement, and the ability to seize every opportunity presented to her, culminating in a breakout season that has solidified her role in the WNBA.
The journey of Karlie Samuelson, a name increasingly familiar to basketball fans, is a testament to the power of perseverance. Early in her career, finding a consistent presence on the court proved challenging. However, over the past two seasons, a remarkable transformation has unfolded. Appearing in 63 games across those campaigns for the Sparks and Mystics, Samuelson has showcased a solid level of production, earning the respect of teammates and opponents alike. Her tenacity has been evident in the evolution of her game, turning her into a reliable sharpshooter, tenacious defender and a key player. This represents the kind of performance that builds and sustains a player's reputation.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Karlie Anne Samuelson |
Date of Birth | May 10, 1995 |
Place of Birth | Unknown |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6'0" (183 cm) |
Position | Guard (Shooting Guard) |
Current Team | Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) |
College | Stanford University |
Professional Career Started | 2017 (Los Angeles Sparks Training Camp Contract) |
WNBA Debut | 2018 (Los Angeles Sparks) |
Significant Achievements | Multiple Championships and Awards in Europe and Australia |
Contract | 2 year, $233,450 contract with the Washington Mystics |
2024 Salary | Base Salary of $116,725 |
Sister | Katie Lou Samuelson (also a professional basketball player) |
Reference | ESPN Player Profile |
In her 29 appearances, including 19 starts, for the Washington Mystics last season, Samuelson averaged 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 24.6 minutes per game. These numbers reflect her growing impact on the court. Currently, her offensive performance is at its peak and is in the spotlight.
The Minnesota Lynx recently acquired the veteran guard from the Washington Mystics on Monday, signaling a new chapter in her career. As of the 2024 season, while playing with the Mystics, Samuelson is averaging 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, demonstrating her well-rounded contributions. This includes her full stats, per opponent, for regular and postseason games, offering an in-depth look at her performance.
Samuelson's professional journey began with a training camp contract with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2017. From those early days, she has diligently made the most of every opportunity presented. This dedication has transformed her into a consistent starter, a reliable sharpshooter, and a tough defender a testament to her unwavering commitment to the game. Her consistent improvement and adaptability mark her as a player who continues to evolve.
Throughout her career, Samuelson has shown her grit by starting in 45 games. In those matchups, she averages 5.6 points per game, with a total of 586 points scored. Furthermore, Karlie has been involved in 105 contests in her pro basketball career, accumulating 1,983 minutes on the court. Earlier in this season, Karlie started all nine games for the Mystics, averaging 9.7 points, 2.6 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 1.1 steals in 29.0 minutes per game. This period demonstrated her increasing influence and the trust placed in her by her team. This highlights how important she is to her team.
Karlie is not the only basketball star in the family. Her sister, Katie Lou Samuelson, is also a professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. Another sister, Bonnie, focused on academics after college. This family connection to the sport provides a supportive network that has helped her navigate the challenges and triumphs of professional basketball.
Born on May 10, 1995, Karlie Anne Samuelson is an American professional basketball player. She is the second eldest sister of Katie Lou Samuelson. This family connection highlights the strong bond and mutual support that has played a significant role in their careers. She is currently playing for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA.
Her basketball journey began with college play at Stanford, where she had the opportunity to play alongside her older sister, Bonnie, during her freshman year. Her path has also led her to compete in Europe and Australia, winning multiple championships and earning various accolades, showcasing her talent on a global stage.
On February 14, 2020, Samuelson was traded to the Dallas Wings, teaming up with her sister, Katie Lou, for the first time as professionals. Though she was waived before the season began, the sisters later played together in Spain, where Samuelson signed with Karlie's team, Perfumeras Avenida. This underscores the unique dynamic of their shared passion for the sport and their ability to support each other through their careers.
Standing at 6'0", Karlie Samuelson is a guard for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA. Her performance statistics for the 2024 season, which include an average of 8.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, highlight her value to the team. Mike Thibault, the Mystics' general manager, once noted that Karlie "brings an exciting dimension to our team as a great shooting, big wing player, who can stretch the floor for us," recognizing her ability to enhance the team's strategy and capabilities.
In a recent announcement, the Minnesota Lynx declared that the team traded its no... This latest move underscores the ever-changing nature of the league and teams constantly looking to improve their rosters. In 2025, Samuelson is set to earn a base salary of $118,450, maintaining a consistent presence in her financial future as she continues to develop her career.
This season, Samuelson has played and started in all 17 games. However, a fractured finger on her left hand, first injured late in the Mystics' game against the Chicago Sky on June 14, will temporarily sideline her, disrupting her consistent performance and impact on the court. Her unfortunate injury is an obvious reminder of how challenging physical endurance is when playing basketball at the highest level.