Kiwi Star Charlisse Leger-Walker Heads to WNBA Draft

Just days after helping UCLA win its first-ever national women's basketball championship, Charlisse Leger-Walker is waiting to hear her name called at the WNBA Draft. The moment would make the New Zealand native only the second Kiwi woman ever to reach professional basketball's biggest stage.

Leger-Walker's journey to this moment has been anything but easy. She spent three years leading Washington State to the March Madness tournament before tearing her ACL in January 2024, forcing her to postpone her professional dreams.

Instead of giving up, she transferred to UCLA and spent a year rehabbing. This season, she returned as a starter on one of the most dominant teams in college basketball history, capping it off with a 79-51 championship victory that drew 9.9 million television viewers.

Now the 24-year-old point guard is projected to be selected in the late first or early second round of Tuesday's draft. Mock drafts from major outlets have her landing anywhere from 14th to 20th overall, with teams like the Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun showing interest.

If selected, Leger-Walker would join exclusive company. Only one other New Zealander, Megan Compain, has ever played in the WNBA, back in 1997 with the Utah Starz.

Why This Inspires

Leger-Walker represents more than just basketball talent. Scouts praise her basketball IQ, court vision, and ability to run an offense like a coach on the floor. Her UCLA coach Cori Close calls her "the steal of the draft" and "one of the most pro-ready players" on a team sending a record-breaking six players to the draft.

The timing couldn't be better. The WNBA is experiencing unprecedented growth, with two new teams joining this season and a $3.8 billion broadcast deal that has dramatically increased player salaries. First-round picks now earn between $496,000 and $858,000 in their rookie year, up from just $135,000 under the old agreement.

Leger-Walker will attend the draft in New York, ready to hear her name called. Whether she lands with a contending team looking for veteran leadership or an expansion franchise building something new, she's proven she knows how to overcome obstacles and win when it matters most.

From ACL surgery to national championship to professional basketball, Charlisse Leger-Walker's story shows what persistence and heart can accomplish.