Katie Lou Samuelson Bio
Katie Lou Samuelson (born June 13, 1997) is an American professional basketball player for the Seattle Storm of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball for the UConn Huskies. Samuelson is also the director of player development for the Vanderbilt Commodores women’s basketball program. Known for her impressive shooting skills and versatility on the court, she has established herself as a significant player in women’s basketball since her debut in 2019.
Early Life and Background
Katie Lou Samuelson was born in Fullerton, California. She grew up in a family with a strong athletic background; her father, Jon Samuelson, played basketball at California State University, Fullerton, and professionally in Europe, while her mother, Karen Samuelson, was a netball player from England. Katie Lou has two older sisters, Bonnie and Karlie, both of whom played basketball at Stanford University. Bonnie pursued a career in optometry after college, while Karlie has played in the WNBA and currently plays for the Minnesota Lynx. Samuelson attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, California, where she played for the school’s basketball team and achieved remarkable success.
Path to Basketball
During her high school career, Katie Lou Samuelson made a name for herself as a standout player. In her sophomore year, she averaged 20.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, helping her team achieve a 30–2 record. By her senior year, she averaged 24.9 points and 8.5 rebounds, leading her team to a state regional championship. Her exceptional performance earned her numerous accolades, including being named the California Player of the Year in 2014 and winning the Naismith Trophy. Following her high school success, Samuelson committed to play for the University of Connecticut, where she continued to excel on the court.
Katie Lou Samuelson Career
Early Career (2015–2019)
Katie Lou Samuelson began her college career at the University of Connecticut in the 2015–16 season. As a freshman, she played in 37 of the Huskies’ 38 games and averaged 11.0 points per game, leading the team with 78 made three-pointers. Samuelson’s performance earned her the title of national freshman of the year by ESPNw. In her sophomore year, she became a key player for the Huskies, averaging 20.2 points per game and setting the NCAA single-game record for most three-pointers made without a miss, with 10. She was named the AAC co-player of the year and received multiple All-American honors during her college career.
Breakthrough (2019–Present)
Katie Lou Samuelson was drafted 4th overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2019 WNBA Draft, marking the beginning of her professional career. During her rookie season, she averaged 2.4 points, 0.9 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game. In 2020, she was traded to the Dallas Wings, where she played for a brief period before joining Perfumerías Avenida in Spain. With Avenida, she won the Spanish championship and was recognized as a key player in both the Spanish league and EuroLeague.
Notable Works and Milestones
Samuelson’s career took a significant turn when she joined the Seattle Storm in 2021. She became a full-time starter and averaged career highs of 7 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. After a brief stint with the Los Angeles Sparks, she signed with the Indiana Fever for the 2024 season but did not play due to her pregnancy. In 2025, she returned to the Seattle Storm, marking her second stint with the team.
Katie Lou Samuelson Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Katie Lou Samuelson has received numerous nominations and accolades, particularly during her time at UConn, where she was recognized as an All-American multiple times and earned various player of the year honors.
Katie Lou Samuelson Awards Won
Katie Lou Samuelson’s achievements include being a Commissioner’s Cup champion in 2021 and an NCAA champion in 2016. She has also been honored as a 2× AAC Player of the Year and a 3× WBCA All-American.
Katie Lou Samuelson Family
Katie Lou Samuelson is married to fellow basketball player Devin Cannady. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in 2023. Samuelson’s family has been a significant influence on her basketball career, with both parents being athletes and her sisters also excelling in the sport.
Personal Life
Outside of basketball, Katie Lou Samuelson is involved in philanthropy and mentorship programs, including her role with the WNBA Changemakers Collective, aimed at supporting young girls in sports. She continues to balance her professional career with her responsibilities as a mother and her commitment to developing future talent in women’s basketball.