Kayla Thornton Bio
Kayla Bianca Thornton (born October 20, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Valkyries of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She has previously played in the WNBA for the Dallas Wings and New York Liberty, with whom she won the 2024 WNBA Championship. In college, Thornton played for the University of Texas at El Paso.
Early Life and Background
Kayla Thornton was born in Germany but raised in El Paso, Texas. She attended Irvin High School, where she began to showcase her basketball talent. Thornton’s early exposure to the sport came through her high school team, where she developed her skills and passion for the game.
After high school, Thornton continued her basketball journey at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) from 2010 to 2014. During her college career, she became the all-time leading scorer for El Paso and led her team to a remarkable 29 wins in the 2011-12 season, solidifying her reputation as a formidable player.
Path to Basketball
Thornton’s journey to professional basketball began with her impressive college career at UTEP. After completing her college eligibility, she entered the 2014 WNBA Draft but went undrafted. Despite this setback, she signed with the Washington Mystics for the 2015 season, marking her entry into the professional realm.
In 2017, Thornton signed with the Dallas Wings, where she spent six seasons and became a key player for the team. Her transition to the WNBA was marked by her determination and hard work, which eventually led to her being traded to the New York Liberty in January 2023.
Kayla Thornton Career
Early Career (2014-2017)
Thornton’s professional career began in 2014 when she signed with Montaneras de Morovis. She played for several teams, including Maccabi Ramat Hen and the Washington Mystics, where she made her WNBA debut. Although her first season was limited to just 10 games, it laid the groundwork for her future success.
In 2017, Thornton joined the Dallas Wings, where she truly began to shine. Her contributions to the team helped them become competitive in the league, and she quickly established herself as a reliable player on the court.
Breakthrough (2018-2024)
Thornton’s breakthrough came during her tenure with the Dallas Wings, where she played a pivotal role in the team’s success. She was known for her defensive prowess and ability to guard players in any position. Her hard work paid off when she was selected to play for the New York Liberty, where she helped lead the team to the WNBA Finals in 2023 and 2024, culminating in a championship win in 2024.
On December 6, 2024, Thornton was selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft. In her first season with the Valkyries in 2025, she started all 22 games, averaging 14.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, which earned her her first career All-Star selection.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Kayla Thornton has achieved significant milestones, including being a WNBA champion in 2024 and a WNBA All-Star in 2025. Her accolades also include being named the WKBL MVP and Import Player of the Year in 2019, showcasing her talent and versatility as a player.
Kayla Thornton Award Nominations
Kayla Thornton has received several nominations throughout her career, reflecting her impact on the game and recognition by peers and analysts alike.
Kayla Thornton Awards Won
Thornton has garnered multiple awards, including the WNBA Championship in 2024 and the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Champion title in 2023. Her achievements in the WKBL include being a champion, MVP, and Import Player of the Year in 2019.
Kayla Thornton Family
Details about Kayla Thornton’s family are not publicly available, as she tends to keep her personal life private.
Personal Life
Kayla Thornton’s personal life remains largely private, with no publicly available information regarding her relationships or children. She focuses primarily on her professional basketball career.