Reflecting on Sharing NCAA Record with Caitlin Clark, WNBA Star Kia Nurse Credits Breanna Stewart for Early Basketball Career

Born and brought up in Ontario, Kia Nurse was not able to watch WNBA games on television or purchase tickets to visit a local WNBA team. At that time, both these options were nonexistent. In 2011, Nurse finally found her hero in Minnesota Lynx star Maya Moore, whom she saw in her sister’s AAU Tournament. Now that Kia Nurse features an impressive WNBA career, she has something to unveil.

“I know that they pump out pros, that they do pump out there’s a longevity to them, there’s a reason why UConn players stay in the WNBA longer, which is one of the hardest leagues to stay in,” shared Nurse in an exclusive interview with All Facts No Brakes with Keyshawn Johnson. Before being selected as the WNBA draft No. 10 pick, Nurse paved her way with a collegiate basketball team led by Breanna Stewart.

Coming from Canada to UConn, Nurse started as a freshman for the Huskies. “I’m grateful for the opportunity that I had at UConn in those four years, and I played with some really incredible players. My first two years, I was with that historic class and Breanna Stewart,” she said. At this time, the Huskies were already halfway through the legendary title run and already had a record of four consecutive NCAA titles.

The 6-foot guard then led the Huskies to back-to-back national championships in 2015 and 2016. Eventually, she attained an impressive average of 11.4 points and 2.7 rebounds. At this time, she was unaware that she would soon be sharing an NCAA record with 2024 WNBA draft pick, Caitlin Clark.

Kia Nurse’s guide to chase records in WNBA

As she moved towards her goal of getting into the WNBA, Kia Nurse worked to better her scores. Finally, she was able to knock down nine points to accomplish the record for most three-pointers scored in Women’s NCAA game. In 2024, Caitlin Clark tied the record in the 94-87 Elite Eight win against LSU. The two join Courtney Moses for the statline who initially set it in 2012.

“The opportunity to create all these fun memories… reminiscing on those moments, it’s a greatful part of my journey,” Kia Nurse remarks.

After four years of collegiate career, Kia Nurse was finally drafted as the No. 10 overall pick in the WNBA in 2018. Drafted by the New York Liberty, Nurse averaged 9.7 points, 1.8 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in the 2019 season. Moving on, she was transferred to the Phoenix Mercury in 2021 but was injured in a matchup.

Her knee injury resulted in her missing the entire 2022 season. Before the beginning of the 2023 season, Nurse was traded to the Seattle Storm, where she averaged 5.9 points per game. As of now, Nurse is playing for the Los Angeles Sparks and has an average of 9.3 points per game.

“Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.”