Rae Burrell is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA. Known for her scoring ability, versatility, and resilience, she has developed into a key contributor at the professional level after a successful college career at Tennessee.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Rae Marie Burrell
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Date of Birth: June 21, 2000
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Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada
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Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
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Weight: 168 lbs (76 kg)
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Position: Forward
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High School: Liberty High School (Henderson, Nevada)
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Named Las Vegas Review-Journal Best of Nevada Preps Female Athlete of the Year (2018)
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College Career: Tennessee Volunteers (2018–2022)
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Freshman Year: Played in every game, averaging 12.7 minutes; season-high 14 points twice
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Sophomore Year: Became top reserve; averaged 10.5 points and 5.5 rebounds; recorded first career double-double (20 points, 10 rebounds)
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Junior Year: Only Volunteer to start all games; averaged 16.8 points and 4.6 rebounds; scored 22 points in NCAA Tournament opener
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Senior Year: Missed several weeks due to knee injury; played 22 games averaging 12.3 points and 3.9 rebounds; led team to Sweet Sixteen with 22 points in final game
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Rankings: Entered senior year ranked 24th best women’s college basketball player nationally
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Career Totals: Scored 1,131 points and grabbed 438 rebounds in 110 college games
Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: Selected 9th overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft by Los Angeles Sparks
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Rookie Season (2022): Limited to 3 games due to foot injury
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2023 Season: Played 29 games, averaging 11.1 minutes, 3.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists per game
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2024 Season: Played 37 games, starting last 7; averaged 15.6 minutes and contributed 220 points and 68 rebounds
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Contracts: Signed multi-year deal with Sparks in February 2024
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Overseas: Played for UC Capitals (Australia, 2022–23) and Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen (Belgium, 2023)
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Other Leagues: Competed in Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball (2024) and Unrivaled 3×3 league (2025)
Playing Style and Strengths
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Versatile forward with scoring and rebounding ability
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Strong defensive presence and athleticism
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Demonstrates resilience overcoming injuries early in pro career
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Effective in transition and half-court sets
Achievements & Honors
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Las Vegas Review-Journal Best of Nevada Preps Female Athlete of the Year (2018)
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First-round WNBA draft pick (2022)
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Key contributor for Los Angeles Sparks
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Played professionally in Australia and Belgium
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Competed in Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled leagues
FAQs About Rae Burrell
What position does Rae Burrell play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA)
How old is Rae Burrell?
24 (born June 21, 2000)
What are her main achievements?
Top-10 WNBA draft pick, standout college career at Tennessee, professional experience in WNBA and overseas, athlete in emerging 3×3 leagues
What is her playing style?
Versatile forward with scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills
Conclusion
Rae Burrell is a promising professional basketball player whose scoring and versatility have helped her overcome early injuries and establish a growing role with the Los Angeles Sparks. Her strong college background and international experience position her as a rising talent in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
