Kitija Laksa is a Latvian professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Known for her elite three-point shooting and scoring ability, Laksa is a decorated international talent with championship experience in Europe.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Kitija Laksa
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Date of Birth: May 21, 1996
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Hometown: Riga, Latvia
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Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
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Weight: Not widely listed
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Position: Forward
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Early Career:
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Developed in Latvia before moving to the United States for college
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Member of the Latvian national team since 2013
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College Career: South Florida Bulls (2015–2019)
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Four-year standout for the South Florida Bulls
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Accolades:
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AAC Freshman of the Year (2016)
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Sixth on South Florida’s all-time scoring list (1,764 points)
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Third in career points per game (17.8)
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First in free throw percentage (89.6%)
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Second in three-point percentage (39.1%)
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Stats:
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2015–16: 12.6 points, 2.4 rebounds per game
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2016–17: 19.2 points, 3.5 rebounds per game
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2017–18: 21.1 points, 3.4 rebounds per game
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2018–19: 16.3 points, 4.3 rebounds per game (3 games, injury-shortened season)
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 11th overall, 2020 WNBA Draft by Seattle Storm
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WNBA Teams:
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Seattle Storm (signed but did not play, waived 2021)
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Phoenix Mercury (2025–present)
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WNBA Stats:
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Has yet to play in a WNBA regular season game
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Signed guaranteed contract with Phoenix Mercury for 2025
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International:
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TTT Riga (Latvia, 2019–2022):
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Led team to domestic and European success
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Fenerbahçe (Turkey, 2023–2024):
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EuroLeague champion (2024)
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Turkish Cup champion (2024)
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Beretta Famila Schio (Italy, 2024–2025):
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EuroLeague: 15.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists per game
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Shooting 41.7% from three, leads EuroLeague in three-pointers made (30, as of early 2025)
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National Team Career
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Latvian National Team (since 2013):
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Key contributor in European Championships and World Cup qualifiers
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Represents Latvia in major international tournaments
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Achievements & Honors
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Phoenix Mercury (WNBA, 2025)
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EuroLeague champion (2024, Fenerbahçe)
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Turkish Cup champion (2024, Fenerbahçe)
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AAC Freshman of the Year (2016)
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Sixth on South Florida’s all-time scoring list (1,764 points)
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First in South Florida free throw percentage (89.6%)
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Second in South Florida three-point percentage (39.1%)
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Current EuroLeague leader in three-pointers made (2024–2025)
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Latvian national team member since 2013
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite three-point shooting and scoring
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High basketball IQ and offensive versatility
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Clutch performer in big games
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Strong free throw shooter
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Style:
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Sharpshooting forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings championship experience and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Kitija Laksa
What position does Kitija Laksa play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
How old is Kitija Laksa?
29 (born May 21, 1996)
What are her main achievements?
EuroLeague champion, Turkish Cup champion, AAC Freshman of the Year, South Florida all-time scoring and three-point leader, Latvian national team member
What is her playing style?
Sharpshooting, versatile forward with elite three-point shooting
Conclusion
Kitija Laksa is a dynamic and accomplished forward whose elite shooting, championship pedigree, and international experience have made her a valuable addition to the Phoenix Mercury and a rising star in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
