How a seventh-grade dream became a WNBA star's reality
In short: By age seven, Kia Nurse was already playing in competitive leagues. Fast forward to her professional career, and she has become a cornerstone of Canadian basketball, transitioning from a determined student with a specific college goal to an Olympic athlete and WNBA standout.
Kia Nurse's ascent in professional basketball was marked by early specialization and unwavering focus. After starting basketball at age four, she was competing in organized leagues by age seven. Her ability surfaced during her time at St. Thomas More Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, where she led her squad to three straight OFSAA high school titles from 2011 to 2013.
Her collegiate journey was defined by a long-held ambition. Despite being approached by approximately 50 universities, Nurse ultimately chose the University of Connecticut, a goal she had specifically set for herself when she was only in Grade 7. At UConn, she played under head coach Geno Auriemma alongside notable players like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier.
Nurse's professional career has been a journey of high-stakes milestones and resilience. Drafted tenth overall by the New York Liberty in 2018, she quickly made her mark, scoring a season-high 34 points against the Indiana Fever in June of that year. She became only the third Canadian to play in a WNBA All-Star Game in 2019.
Her international career has been equally impactful, particularly for the Canadian national team. She was a pivotal figure in Canada's gold medal victory at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, where she scored 33 points and served as the event's flag-bearer. Despite facing setbacks, including a torn ACL during the 2021 postseason, Nurse has continued to compete at the highest levels, including the 2020 Summer Olympics and the Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball league.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Kia Nurse
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