Seven Standout Stars from Stanford Lighting Up the WNBA: A Deep Dive

Title: "Seven Standout Stars from Stanford Lighting Up the WNBA: A Deep Dive"

Introduction:

In the dynamic world of Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), certain collegiate programs stand out as powerhouses for nurturing top-tier talent. Among these, Stanford University holds a special place, consistently producing exceptional players who go on to make significant impacts in the WNBA. In this article, we'll shine a spotlight on seven standout stars from Stanford who are currently making waves in the WNBA. From their collegiate success to their professional achievements, let's explore how these athletes have transitioned from the Cardinal to the pro stage, enriching the WNBA with their skills and determination.

1. Chiney Ogwumike:

Kicking off our list is the formidable Chiney Ogwumike, whose dominance on the court during her time at Stanford was just a precursor to her stellar WNBA career. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2014 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun, Ogwumike quickly asserted herself as a force to be reckoned with. Despite battling injuries, her resilience and work ethic have solidified her as one of the league's elite forwards.

2. Nneka Ogwumike:

Next up is none other than Chiney's older sister, Nneka Ogwumike, a bonafide star in her own right. Like Chiney, Nneka was a standout player at Stanford before being drafted as the first overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, also by the Connecticut Sun. Renowned for her versatility and leadership both on and off the court, Nneka has earned numerous accolades, including WNBA MVP honors in 2016, and continues to be a driving force for the Los Angeles Sparks.

3. Candice Wiggins:

A name synonymous with Stanford basketball greatness, Candice Wiggins left an indelible mark on the program before transitioning to the WNBA. Known for her sharpshooting and tenacious defense, Wiggins was drafted third overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2008 WNBA Draft. Throughout her career, she showcased her scoring prowess and fierce competitiveness, earning the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award in 2008 and helping lead the Lynx to a championship in 2011.

4. Jayne Appel-Marinelli:

A dominant presence in the paint, Jayne Appel-Marinelli made her mark at Stanford as a defensive stalwart before taking her skills to the WNBA. Drafted fifth overall by the San Antonio Silver Stars in the 2010 WNBA Draft, Appel-Marinelli's shot-blocking prowess and rebounding ability quickly garnered attention. Though she retired from professional basketball in 2016, her impact on the court continues to inspire aspiring young players.

5. Alanna Smith:

One of the more recent additions to the Stanford-to-WNBA pipeline, Alanna Smith wasted no time in showcasing her talents at both the collegiate and professional levels. A versatile forward with a knack for scoring, Smith was selected eighth overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft. Since then, she has continued to evolve her game and has emerged as a promising young talent in the league.

6. Erica McCall:

A product of Stanford's renowned basketball program, Erica McCall made her presence felt on both ends of the court during her collegiate career. Drafted seventeenth overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2017 WNBA Draft, McCall's athleticism and hustle quickly earned her a spot in the league. Though her journey has seen its share of ups and downs, McCall's perseverance serves as an inspiration to all who aspire to reach the highest levels of the game.

7. Kiana Williams:

Rounding out our list is Kiana Williams, a standout guard whose exceptional skill set has made her a standout performer at Stanford and beyond. After a stellar collegiate career that saw her lead the Cardinal to multiple deep postseason runs, Williams declared for the WNBA Draft and was selected eighteenth overall by the Seattle Storm in 2021. With her quickness, court vision, and ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the floor, Williams has the potential to carve out a significant role in the league for years to come.

Conclusion:

From Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike to Candice Wiggins and beyond, the legacy of Stanford basketball in the WNBA is both deep and enduring. As these seven standout stars continue to shine on the professional stage, they serve as living proof of the caliber of talent that the Cardinal program produces year after year. Whether they're dominating in the paint, draining three-pointers, or locking down opponents on defense, these athletes embody the spirit of excellence that defines both Stanford basketball and the WNBA as a whole. As fans of the game, we can only look forward to witnessing their continued success and the impact they'll undoubtedly have on the future generation of players.