Kitija Laksa's Journey to the WNBA: A Tale of Resilience and Rising Talent
A young basketball star's path to the big leagues is rarely straightforward. But Kitija Laksa's story takes an especially intriguing turn when she joins the Phoenix Mercury. This talented player, with a promising college career, faced a series of twists and turns before finding her place in the WNBA.
Laksa, a new addition to the Mercury, showcased her skills in her debut season, averaging a solid 5.9 points and 1.2 rebounds per game. She appeared in 33 games, starting in five of them, and made her presence felt on the court. But here's where her story gets fascinating...
In one of her standout performances, Laksa dominated against the Chicago Sky, scoring 18 points, grabbing an assist, and stealing the ball in a 94-89 victory for the Mercury. This early-season display of talent hinted at her potential to become a key player. And this is the part most people miss—her journey to this point was far from ordinary.
Laksa's WNBA career began with the Seattle Storm, who drafted her in 2020. However, she didn't get the chance to play for them. Was this a missed opportunity, or a blessing in disguise? She was waived by the Storm and later signed with the Dallas Wings, but her playing time there was limited.
Instead, Laksa's path took her overseas, where she gained valuable experience before eventually signing with the Mercury. Her college career at South Florida University set the stage for her professional success. As a freshman, she averaged an impressive 12.6 points and 2.3 rebounds, including a debut performance of 15 points, a rebound, an assist, and a block.
Laksa continued to shine throughout her college years, with standout performances like her 38-point game against SMU, where she drained eight 3-pointers. This game showcased her ability to take over a match and lead her team to victory.
The Phoenix Mercury, recognizing her talent, gave Laksa the opportunity she needed to thrive. Along with her fellow rookies, she is now making her mark in the WNBA.
Follow us on X to delve deeper into Kitija Laksa's journey and discover how she became a Mercury player. https://x.com/MercuryOnSI
