Former Washington Huskies women's basketball star Elle Ladine has been waived by the Seattle Storm following a brief preseason stint, the WNBA organization announced Thursday. The move comes just one day before the regular season tips off on Friday, May 8.

Ladine, a standout guard for the Huskies, signed a training camp deal with the Storm but faced an uphill battle to secure a roster spot. Over two preseason games, she logged just 11 minutes of playing time, tallying 4 points, one rebound, and one steal. The competition was stiff, as Seattle had traded up in the WNBA draft to select former LSU star guard Flau'jae Johnson with the No. 8 overall pick, making Ladine's path to the final roster even more challenging.

Despite the setback, there's reason for optimism. The fact that the Storm were willing to bring Ladine into training camp speaks volumes about her potential. It's a positive sign for the 22-year-old, especially considering she dealt with a slow start to her senior season at Washington due to a lower-body injury that sidelined her for a significant portion of the non-conference schedule.

Ladine's college career was nothing short of impressive. After being named to the All-Big Ten Second Team following the 2024-25 season, she averaged a career-high 17 points per game. Over her four years at Montlake, she posted averages of 11.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest. Her 166 three-pointers made rank eighth in school history, a testament to her shooting prowess and consistency from beyond the arc.

Looking ahead, if Ladine doesn't catch on with another WNBA team by the start of the season, she could explore opportunities overseas—a common path for talented players looking to continue their professional careers. For now, her journey is just beginning, and the skills she honed at Washington will undoubtedly serve her well wherever she lands next.