NaLyssa Smith is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Dallas Wings in the WNBA. Known for her athleticism, scoring, and rebounding, she is a former NCAA champion at Baylor and the second overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: NaLyssa Smith
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Date of Birth: August 8, 2000
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Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
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Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m)
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Position: Forward
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High School: East Central High School
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Averaged 23.4 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks per game as a senior
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Five-star recruit, ranked No. 3 nationally by ESPN
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Committed to Baylor over South Carolina, Ohio State, and Louisville
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College Career: Baylor (2018–2022)
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NCAA Champion (2019):
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Played all 38 games as a freshman, averaging 8.4 points and 5.1 rebounds
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Key contributor off the bench in the national championship game
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Sophomore Year:
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Started, averaged 14.3 points and 8 rebounds per game
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First-team All-Big 12 honors
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Junior Year:
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Started all 31 games, averaged 18.0 points and 8.9 rebounds
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Big 12 Player of the Year
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Wade Trophy, Katrina McClain Award, multiple All-American honors
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Set Baylor program record with 26 double-doubles in a season
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Senior Year:
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Led Baylor with 22.1 points and 11.5 rebounds per game
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Big 12 Player of the Year, All-Big 12 First Team, Big 12 All-Defensive Team
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Katrina McClain Award winner (back-to-back)
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Finished career with 2,048 points and 1,098 rebounds (seventh in Baylor history with 2,000+ points and 1,000+ rebounds)
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Notable Performances:
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Scored 37 points in a Big 12 Tournament game
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Tied NCAA Tournament record with 11 field goals made without a miss
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Multiple 30+ point, 15+ rebound games
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WNBA Career
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Drafted: 2nd overall, 2022 WNBA Draft by Indiana Fever
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Indiana Fever (2022–2024):
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Started all 32 games as a rookie, averaged 13.5 points and 7.9 rebounds
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WNBA All-Rookie Team
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2023 and 2024: Consistent double-digit scorer and top rebounder
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2024: Averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.0 assists per game
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Dallas Wings (2025–present):
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Traded to Dallas Wings in 2025
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Expected to be a key contributor at forward
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International Career
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Galatasaray (Turkey): Played overseas in the Turkish Women’s Basketball Super League
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USA Basketball:
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Gold medalist at the 2018 FIBA Americas U18 Championship
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Invited to senior national team training camps
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Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite scorer and rebounder
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Athletic, versatile forward
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Strong defender and shot-blocker
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Style:
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Physical, high-energy forward who excels in transition and the paint
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About NaLyssa Smith
What position does NaLyssa Smith play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Dallas Wings (WNBA)
How old is NaLyssa Smith?
24 (born August 8, 2000)
What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion, Wade Trophy winner, two-time Katrina McClain Award winner, Big 12 Player of the Year, WNBA top-2 pick, WNBA All-Rookie Team
What is her playing style?
Elite scoring and rebounding forward with strong defense and leadership
Conclusion
NaLyssa Smith is a dominant forward whose collegiate and professional success have made her one of the most impactful young players in women’s basketball. Her athleticism, scoring, and championship pedigree continue to drive her rise as a cornerstone for the Dallas Wings.
