Alissa Pili Bio
Alissa Katelina Pili is an American professional basketball player born on June 8, 2001, in Anchorage, Alaska. She plays as a small forward for the Geelong Venom in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). Pili had a standout college career at the University of Southern California and the University of Utah, where she earned numerous accolades, including the Pac-12 Player of the Year. She was drafted eighth overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Draft and has since made a significant impact in her professional career.
Early Life and Background
Alissa Pili was born in Anchorage, Alaska, to Heather and Billy Pili and is of Samoan and Inupiaq descent. She began her athletic journey playing football as a lineman from third to eighth grade, where she was the only girl in her league. Pili started playing organized basketball at the age of eight. She attended Dimond High School in Anchorage, where she excelled in multiple sports. As a freshman, she helped her team achieve a runner-up finish at the Class 4A state tournament. Pili led her high school team to two state championships and set the Class 4A all-time scoring record, earning the title of Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year three times. Over her high school career, she won 13 state titles across various sports, including volleyball and wrestling. Rated a five-star recruit by ESPN, she committed to play college basketball for the University of Southern California.
Path to Basketball
At USC, Alissa Pili entered her freshman season as the starting forward. She made an immediate impact, recording a career-high 32 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Washington State. During her freshman year, she averaged 16.3 points and eight rebounds per game, earning the title of Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a spot on the All-Pac-12 Team. Unfortunately, she missed the first ten games of her sophomore season due to an ankle injury but still managed to average 11 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, receiving an All-Pac-12 honorable mention. After her junior season, where she averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, Pili decided to transfer to the University of Utah for her fourth year of college eligibility.
Alissa Pili Career
Early Career (2019–2024)
Alissa Pili’s early career at USC was marked by significant achievements, including being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2020 and earning multiple All-Pac-12 selections. After transferring to Utah, she was named the Pac-12 Player of the Year in 2023 and earned second-team All-American honors. In her first season at Utah, she averaged 20.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, leading her team to the NCAA tournament.
Breakthrough (2024–Present)
Pili’s breakthrough came when she was selected as the eighth pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. The Lynx welcomed her with an event that celebrated her Indigenous and Polynesian heritage. She made her WNBA debut on May 14, 2024, against the Seattle Storm, where she played 10 minutes and recorded her first rebound. In her second game, she scored her first points in the league, showcasing her potential as a rising star. On May 31, 2024, she became the tenth WNBA rookie to score over 20 points while shooting perfectly from three-point range in a game against the Phoenix Mercury.
Notable Works and Milestones
Alissa Pili’s signature achievements include being named the Pac-12 Player of the Year and earning multiple All-American honors. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the sport, including winning the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup in 2024.
Alissa Pili Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Alissa Pili has received numerous nominations, including accolades for her performance in college basketball and her early professional career.
Alissa Pili Awards Won
Alissa Pili has won several prestigious awards, including the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year in 2020, and has been named to the All-Pac-12 Team multiple times.
Alissa Pili Family
Alissa Pili comes from a supportive family that has played a significant role in her athletic journey. Her parents, Heather and Billy Pili, have been instrumental in her development as an athlete.
Personal Life
Alissa Pili’s heritage is a source of pride for her, and she has expressed her desire to be a role model for Indigenous and Polynesian girls. She has attracted a following from her community, and her mother has noted the emotional impact of her success on Native American youth. Alissa’s older brother, Brandon, is a professional football player for the Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League.
