Katie Lou Samuelson is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Known for her shooting, versatility, and basketball IQ, Samuelson is a decorated NCAA champion and has played for multiple WNBA teams while making an impact both domestically and internationally.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Katie Lou Samuelson
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Date of Birth: June 13, 1997
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Hometown: Fullerton, California
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Height: 6’3″ (1.91 m)
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Weight: 163 lbs (74 kg)
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Position: Forward
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High School: Mater Dei High School
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Averaged 20.9 points, 6.9 rebounds per game as a sophomore
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Averaged 29.2 points, 9.4 rebounds as a junior
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Averaged 24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds as a senior
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Led Mater Dei to three consecutive Trinity League championships and a state regional title
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Named 2014 California Player of the Year and USA Today first-team All-American
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Won national player of the year honors from Gatorade, USA Today, McDonald’s, and WBCA, and the Naismith Trophy as a senior
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College Career: UConn Huskies (2015–2019)
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Four-year standout for the UConn Huskies
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Accolades:
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NCAA champion (2016)
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2× AAC Player of the Year (2017, 2018)
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AAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017)
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3× First-team All-AAC (2017–2019)
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AAC All-Freshman Team (2016)
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2× First-team All-American (AP, 2017, 2018)
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Second-team All-American (USBWA, 2019)
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3× WBCA All-American (2017–2019)
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Third-team All-American (AP, 2019)
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Finished fourth on UConn’s all-time scoring list
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ESPNW National Freshman of the Year (2016)
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 4th overall, 2019 WNBA Draft by Chicago Sky
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WNBA Teams:
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Chicago Sky (2019)
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Dallas Wings (2020)
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Seattle Storm (2021)
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Los Angeles Sparks (2022–2023)
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Indiana Fever (2024)
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Seattle Storm (2025–present)
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WNBA Stats:
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Rookie season (Chicago Sky, 2019): 2.4 points, 0.9 rebounds per game
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Seattle Storm (2021): 7.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists per game (started 24 of 27 games)
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Los Angeles Sparks (2022): 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds per game (career-high, scored in double figures in 18 of 32 games)
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Indiana Fever (2024): 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds per game (37 games played)
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Career averages (through 2025): ~6 points, 2–3 rebounds, 1 assist per game
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International:
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Perfumerías Avenida (Spain):
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Spanish league champion (2021)
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EuroLeague Finalist (2021)
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Liga Femenina Endesa Finals MVP (2021)
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Other teams:
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Played in France and with Phantom BC (2025)
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USA Basketball:
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FIBA Americas U16 champion (2013)
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FIBA AmeriCup gold medalist (2019)
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Named to USA 3×3 Olympic qualifying team (2021, did not compete due to illness)
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Achievements & Honors
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NCAA champion (2016, UConn)
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Commissioner’s Cup champion (2021, WNBA)
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Spanish league champion (2021, Perfumerías Avenida)
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Liga Femenina Endesa Finals MVP (2021)
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2× AAC Player of the Year (2017, 2018)
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AAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2017)
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3× First-team All-AAC (2017–2019)
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2× First-team All-American (AP, 2017, 2018)
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3× WBCA All-American (2017–2019)
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Second-team All-American (USBWA, 2019)
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Third-team All-American (AP, 2019)
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National player of the year (high school, Gatorade, USA Today, McDonald’s, WBCA, Naismith)
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California Player of the Year (2014)
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USA Today first-team All-American (high school)
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FIBA Americas U16 champion (2013)
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FIBA AmeriCup gold medalist (2019)
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite three-point shooting and scoring
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Versatile forward with high basketball IQ
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Strong rebounder and playmaker
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Skilled, sharpshooting 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 Katie Lou Samuelson
What position does Katie Lou Samuelson play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Seattle Storm (WNBA)
How old is Katie Lou Samuelson?
28 (born June 13, 1997)
What are her main achievements?
NCAA champion, Spanish league champion, Liga Femenina Endesa Finals MVP, Commissioner’s Cup champion, 2× AAC Player of the Year, national player of the year (high school), California Player of the Year, FIBA AmeriCup gold medalist
What is her playing style?
Versatile, sharpshooting forward with elite scoring and leadership
Conclusion
Katie Lou Samuelson is a dynamic and accomplished forward whose shooting, versatility, and championship pedigree have made her a valuable asset for the Seattle Storm and a respected figure in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
