Kelsey Plum Bio
Kelsey Christine Plum (born August 24, 1994) is an American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and for Phantom BC. Nicknamed “Plum Dawg”, she is a four-time WNBA All-Star and was named the WNBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2022. Plum won gold medals with the United States in 3×3 basketball in 2020 and in 5×5 basketball in 2024. She is also the founder of the Dawg Class basketball camp.
Early Life and Background
Born in Poway, California, Kelsey Plum is the daughter of Katie and Jim Plum. Her mother was an accomplished volleyball player for the University of California, Davis, while her father earned All-American football honors and played football and baseball at San Diego State. Kelsey has two older sisters and a younger brother, with her sisters both playing volleyball at the collegiate level. She initially excelled in volleyball but chose to pursue basketball at La Jolla Country Day School, where she became a standout player. Plum faced challenges in her early education due to dyslexia, which led her to switch schools and ultimately thrive in her athletic pursuits.
Path to Basketball
Kelsey Plum’s basketball journey began at La Jolla Country Day School, where she scored a total of 2,247 points and averaged 19.9 points per game during her high school career. She was named a McDonald’s All-American and participated in the 2013 WBCA High School All-America Game. After high school, Plum accepted a scholarship to the University of Washington, where she set numerous records, including becoming the NCAA Division I women’s all-time leading scorer. Her outstanding college career culminated in her being selected first overall in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars.
Kelsey Plum Career
Early Career (2017-2018)
Kelsey Plum made her WNBA debut on May 25, 2017, against the Dallas Wings, scoring four points in her first game. She had a breakout performance on August 5, 2017, scoring a career-high 23 points in an overtime win against the Seattle Storm. Despite a challenging first season, where the Stars finished with a poor record, Plum was named to the All-Rookie Team.
Breakthrough (2019-2021)
In 2018, the San Antonio Stars relocated to Las Vegas and became the Las Vegas Aces. Plum’s performance improved significantly, and she helped the Aces reach the playoffs for the first time since 2014. In 2021, she had a career year, averaging 14.8 points per game and winning the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award.
Notable Works and Milestones
Kelsey Plum’s signature work includes her contributions to the Las Vegas Aces’ back-to-back WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023. She was also named to the All-WNBA First Team in 2022 and earned the WNBA All-Star Game MVP title that same year.
Kelsey Plum Award Nominations
Kelsey Plum has received multiple nominations throughout her career, including being recognized as a four-time WNBA All-Star and earning the WNBA All-Star Game MVP award in 2022.
Kelsey Plum Awards Won
Kelsey Plum has won several prestigious awards, including two WNBA championships in 2022 and 2023, the WNBA All-Star Game MVP in 2022, and the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year in 2021.
Kelsey Plum Family
Kelsey Plum is the daughter of Jim and Katie Plum. She has two older sisters and a younger brother, all of whom have pursued athletic endeavors.
Personal Life
Kelsey Plum was married to American football player Darren Waller, but the couple filed for divorce in April 2024 after one year of marriage. Plum is of Irish descent and has been involved in philanthropic efforts. She has openly discussed her struggles with mental health and advocates for mental health awareness. Plum is also known for her love of cigars and has developed her own cigar brand.
