Alissa Pili is an American professional basketball player currently playing forward for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA. Recognized for her scoring, versatility, and leadership, Pili is a former Pac-12 Player of the Year and multi-sport champion who brings a unique background and skill set to the league.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Alissa Katelina Pili
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Date of Birth: Anchorage, Alaska
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Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
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Position: Forward
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High School: Dimond High School (Anchorage, Alaska)
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Three-time Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year
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Twice named MaxPreps National Female Athlete of the Year
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Holds Alaska state basketball scoring record (2,614 career points)
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Won 13 state titles across basketball, volleyball, shot put, discus, and wrestling
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College Career
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USC Trojans (2019–2022):
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Pac-12 Freshman of the Year
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All-Pac-12 Team
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Career-high 32 points and 12 rebounds as a freshman
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Missed time with injury, but remained a key contributor
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Utah Utes (2022–2024):
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Pac-12 Player of the Year
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All-Pac-12 First Team
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Second Team All-American (The Athletic)
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Third Team All-American (AP, Sporting News, USBWA)
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Led team in scoring (21.4 points per game, No. 2 in Pac-12, No. 13 in NCAA)
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Scored 727 points in a season (school record)
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Fastest Ute to 1,000 points (48 games)
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Reached 2,000 career points
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55.0% field goal shooting, 40.4% three-point shooting, 82.0% free throw shooting
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Posted seven consecutive 20+ point games
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Scored 20+ points in 20 games, double figures in 32 games
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Led team with five double-doubles
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Notable performances: 37 points vs. No. 1 South Carolina and No. 6 USC
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 8th overall, 2024 WNBA Draft by Minnesota Lynx
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Teams: Minnesota Lynx (2024–present)
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WNBA Stats (2024):
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22 games played
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6.3 minutes per game
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2.4 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.2 assists per game
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Career-high 20 points in one game (off the bench, perfect from deep with 4+ threes)
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Showed scoring efficiency in limited minutes
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Other Leagues:
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Signed with Athletes Unlimited for 2025 season
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Playing on behalf of the Arctic Education Foundation
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Achievements & Honors
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Pac-12 Player of the Year (2023–24)
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Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2019–20)
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All-Pac-12 First Team (2023–24)
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Second Team All-American (The Athletic, 2023–24)
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Third Team All-American (AP, Sporting News, USBWA, 2023–24)
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Utah single-season scoring record (727 points)
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Fastest Ute to 1,000 points (48 games)
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Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year (three times)
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MaxPreps National Female Athlete of the Year (twice)
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13 state titles across multiple sports
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Alaska state basketball scoring record (2,614 career points)
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WNBA rookie with historic 20-point, 4+ threes, perfect shooting night
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scorer and versatile forward
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Strong three-point shooter and post player
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Physical, skilled forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Alissa Pili
What position does Alissa Pili play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
How old is Alissa Pili?
23 (as of 2024 season; born in Anchorage, Alaska)
What are her main achievements?
Pac-12 Player of the Year, Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, All-American, Utah single-season scoring record, Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year, MaxPreps National Female Athlete of the Year, 13 state titles, Alaska state basketball scoring record
What is her playing style?
Versatile, high-IQ forward with elite scoring and leadership
Conclusion
Alissa Pili is a rising star in women’s basketball, known for her scoring, versatility, and championship pedigree. Her standout college career and promising start with the Minnesota Lynx position her as a future leader in the WNBA.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
