The WNBA tipped off its 2026 regular season on Friday, and one former Lady Vol made a triumphant return to the court after a year-long hiatus. Jordan Horston, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, started for the Seattle Storm in their opening day matchup against the Golden State Valkyries.
Despite a hard-fought battle at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, the Storm fell 91-80 to Golden State. Horston logged 15 minutes of playing time, contributing four rebounds and one block. While she didn't convert her four field goal attempts or two three-pointers, her presence on the floor marked a significant milestone in her comeback journey.
Horston, who was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft, earned a spot on the 2023 WNBA All-Rookie Team before her injury setback. Her path to the pros was paved by an impressive collegiate career at Tennessee, where she played for the Lady Vols from 2019 to 2023. During her time in Knoxville, she was a two-time All-SEC First-Team selection and received All-America honorable mentions from both the Associated Press and the WBCA.
Over 114 games—91 of which she started—Horston amassed 1,145 points, 731 rebounds, 455 assists, 109 blocks, and 163 steals. A Columbus, Ohio native, she honed her skills at Columbus Africentric Early College High School before making her mark in the SEC.
For fans of the game, Horston's return is a reminder of the resilience that defines elite athletes. Whether you're hitting the court or cheering from the stands, her story inspires us to keep pushing through every challenge.