Kelsey Plum is a tongue-rolling name, like a basketball highlight reel. Through her record points or game-winners, the California-born star has carved a niche for herself in the basketball hall of fame.
Prior to gaining household fame in the WNBA and being a world icon, Plum had already made waves at the University of Washington. She left such a lasting impression that even the greatest basketball superstars would be jealous of it. So here’s when her legendary journey starts, from Washington Husky to becoming one of the most thrilling players of women’s basketball.
Where Did Kelsey Plum Play College Basketball?
Kelsey Plum suited up for all four years of college at the University of Washington. And then she became the cornerstone of the Washington Huskies’ women’s basketball squad. As a Husky player from 2013 to 2017, Plum’s sheer determination made her one of the all-time best to ever lace up her kicks in NCAA history.
Forever 🔟
Proud to announce Washington is retiring Kelsey Plum’s jersey number.
» https://t.co/AiYlRfkL6T#GoHuskies x #KP10 pic.twitter.com/jCuxXBD95Q
— Washington Athletics (@UWAthletics) November 1, 2024
Plum amassed a career-high 3,527 points, the NCAA Division I all-time scoring leader, male or female, upon graduation. True that, no player in NCAA Division I basketball history had ever had more points scored than Kelsey Plum. This record is utterly legendary. It was only natural that she left her impact as one of the most acclaimed players in NCAA women’s hoops history.
College Career of Kelsey Plum
Although such record-breaking scores are undoubtedly commendable, Plum’s game wasn’t just about scoring numbers. She was a complete player who could do it all. At guard, Plum’s scoring ability was unmatched from almost anywhere on the floor. Her three-point range, mid-range shot, and slashing ability made her nearly impossible to penetrate.
She could ankle-break a defender with a deadly crossover or bury a three-pointer that was impossible not to attempt when her team needed it most. And, to rub salt in the wound, Plum was able to hand out assists and pull down rebounds, playing the sort of balanced game that makes stars into superstars like her.
Her final season was one for the record books. As well as taking home Pac-12 Player of the Year, she took her team to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament. During her four years, Plum was a first-team All-Pac-12 choice each year, cementing herself as one of the all-time greats in conference history. Her on-court leadership abilities were off the charts—whether she was bringing the ball upcourt, setting up her teammates, or just firing up her team, Plum was always the quarterback.
Iconic Moments That Defined Plum’s College Career
Who would not remember that 57-point effort against Utah in 2017? It’s one of the most hyped moments in women’s college hoops history, and it was more suited to Kelsey Plum’s style of dominating in big-game situations. Plum did not merely shatter records in that game; she reset them.
In this effort, she became the Pac-12’s first player in conference history to score 50 or more points in a game. Imagine losing 57 points in a college hoops game—something only the cream of the crop can dream of. This contest, combined with her unbelievable reliability throughout her career at the college level, netted her dozens of accolades, such as multiple All-Americans and NCAA Player of the Year.
But it was not just her remarkable performances that characterized her career; it was that she could lead. Plum was the heart and essence of the Huskies during her playing career at Washington. Her coach, Mike Neighbors, would often credit Plum with making the program go from a middle-of-the-pack type of team to a full-fledged national powerhouse. She made everyone she played alongside better and could bring out her best players.
From Washington to the WNBA and Beyond
Following her graduation from Washington, Plum was selected number one overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars (now Las Vegas Aces). Over the next few years, Plum would enjoy a breathtaking career in the WNBA. This earned her an All-Star selection and helped the Aces win a WNBA Championship in 2022. Her success didn’t end in the domestic league, though.
Plum has also been a pioneer for Team USA, guiding them to gold in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Her time in Washington wasn’t merely a stepping-stone experience—it was the beginning of a career that catapulted her to international fame.
KEEP READING: Every No. 1 Overall Pick in WNBA Draft History
Off the court, Plum has become an icon for young athletes across the globe, most notably young women’s basketball players. She has used her voice to make statements on issues that matter and to motivate other individuals to chase their goals, like she has done.
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