The Seattle Storm have added a proven leader to their roster, selecting Michigan State forward and Spartan captain Grace VanSlooten with the 39th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This strategic third-round selection brings VanSlooten back to the Pacific Northwest, where she began her collegiate career with the Oregon Ducks before transferring to East Lansing.

VanSlooten's impact at Michigan State was immediate and profound. She led the Spartans to back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances, reaching the round of 32 in consecutive years while earning All-Big Ten honors in both seasons. As a team captain this past year, she paced the Spartans in scoring, averaging 15.1 points per game, showcasing the offensive firepower she will bring to the professional level.

Her selection marks a significant moment for the Spartan program, as she becomes the ninth Michigan State player ever drafted into the WNBA and is poised to be the sole Spartan on a WNBA roster to start the 2026 season.

For the Storm, VanSlooten represents the final piece of a busy and promising draft class. Coming off a 23-21 playoff season, Seattle held four picks. They used their first selection (3rd overall) on Spanish center Awa Fam Thiam, added Duke point guard Taina Mair at 14th, and selected TCU's Marta Suarez in the second round before securing VanSlooten in the third. This diverse haul aims to bolster their roster for another playoff push.

The 2026 draft was headlined by UConn's Azzi Fudd going first overall to Dallas, while national champion UCLA saw a remarkable six players selected. The Storm and their new draft class, including Grace VanSlooten, will begin their campaign on May 8th, hosting the Golden State Valkyries in what promises to be an exciting season opener.