Courtney Vandersloot

Courtney Vandersloot: A WNBA Champion and Role Model

Birth and High School

Courtney Vandersloot was born on February 8, 1989, in Kent, Washington. She attended Kentwood High School, where she lettered in basketball for four years. As a senior, she averaged 23.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, leading her team to the state championship. She was named the Gatorade Washington Girls Basketball Player of the Year and was a McDonald’s All-American.

College

Vandersloot committed to play college basketball at Gonzaga University. She was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs, and she led the team to four NCAA Tournament appearances. As a senior, she was named the West Coast Conference Player of the Year and the Nancy Lieberman Award winner, which is given to the nation’s top point guard.  As a result, She finished her college career with 1,118 assists, which is third all-time in NCAA history.

WNBA

Vandersloot was drafted by the Chicago Sky with the third overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft. She has been a starter for the Sky ever since, and she has led the league in assists three times (2015, 2018, and 2021). In 2021, she helped the Sky win their first WNBA championship.

Current Status

Vandersloot is entering her 12th season in the WNBA. She is one of the league’s most accomplished point guards, and she is a two-time WNBA All-Star. She is also married to fellow WNBA player Allie Quigley.

Vandersloot’s Dazzling Playoff Run Ends in Heartbreak

Courtney Vandersloot, the maestro of the New York Liberty, orchestrated a remarkable 2023 playoff run that captivated fans and challenged expectations. Vandersloot, renowned for her pinpoint passing and basketball IQ, led the Liberty to their first Finals appearance in franchise history.

Averaging 12.2 points and 8.3 assists per game throughout the playoffs, Vandersloot spearheaded a high-octane offense and orchestrated clutch plays that propelled the Liberty past formidable opponents. Her chemistry with Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu blossomed, creating a dynamic trio that threatened to rewrite the WNBA narrative.

The Liberty’s Cinderella story, however, reached an agonizing conclusion in the Finals against the Las Vegas Aces. Despite Vandersloot’s valiant efforts, including a remarkable 14 assists in Game 3, the Aces’ superior depth and experience proved too much to overcome.

Though the championship slipped through their grasp, Vandersloot’s leadership and on-court brilliance cemented her place among the WNBA’s elite. Her impact transcended the scoreboard, inspiring young athletes and demonstrating the power of teamwork and resilience. As Vandersloot reflects on the season, she can take pride in a thrilling playoff run that captivated the WNBA community and solidified her legacy as one of the league’s most impactful players.

Vandersloot is a great example of a successful female athlete. She is a talented player who has achieved a lot in her career. She is also a role model for young girls who dream of playing basketball professionally.

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