Kia Nurse is a Canadian professional basketball player who plays guard for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA. Known for her toughness, three-point shooting, and leadership, she is also a prominent member of the Canadian National Team and a respected basketball analyst.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: February 22, 1996
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Place of Birth: Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Height: 6’0″ (1.83 m)
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Position: Guard
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High School: St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School, Hamilton
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College: University of Connecticut (UConn), 2014–2018
College Career
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Starred at UConn, helping the Huskies win back-to-back NCAA championships in 2015 and 2016.
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Four-time All-AAC selection, AAC Rookie of the Year, and 2017–18 AAC Defensive Player of the Year.
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Played alongside future WNBA stars and was known for her defense, shooting, and leadership.
WNBA Career
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Drafted: 10th overall pick, 2018 WNBA Draft (New York Liberty)
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New York Liberty (2018–2020):
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WNBA All-Star starter in 2019, averaging 13.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists that season.
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Set a career-high with 34 points as a rookie.
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Phoenix Mercury (2021–2022):
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Traded to Phoenix; suffered an ACL injury in 2021 playoffs, missing the 2022 season.
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Seattle Storm (2023):
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Played one season before being traded.
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Los Angeles Sparks (2024):
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Averaged 7.6 points in 40 games, with two 20+ point games and a season-high of 23.
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Chicago Sky (2025–present):
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Signed as a free agent, bringing veteran leadership and perimeter shooting to a young Sky roster
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International Career
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Key player for Team Canada, competing in multiple FIBA World Cups and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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Averaged 7.7 points in three games for Canada at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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Played for Canada’s youth and senior national teams, winning medals at the FIBA Americas and Pan American Games.
Professional Highlights
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WNBA All-Star (2019)
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Known for her consistency from beyond the arc and defensive grit
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Career averages (as of 2024): 7.6 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists per game
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Played in Australia’s WNBL, winning championships with the Canberra Capitals
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Tough perimeter defender, reliable three-point shooter, experienced leader
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Style:
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Versatile guard, excels in transition and half-court, brings energy and poise to both ends
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FAQs About Kia Nurse
What position does Kia Nurse play?
Guard
Which team does she play for?
Chicago Sky (WNBA)
How old is Kia Nurse?
29 (born February 22, 1996)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA All-Star, NCAA champion, Olympian, Canadian National Team leader
What is her playing style?
Tough, versatile, and three-point shooting guard
Conclusion
Kia Nurse is a proven WNBA veteran and international star, celebrated for her shooting, defense, and leadership. Her journey from UConn championships to WNBA All-Star and Canadian Olympian makes her a standout figure in women’s basketball.
