Michigan State's Grace VanSlooten is taking her talents to the professional level, selected by the Seattle Storm with the 39th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. This marks a significant moment for the Spartans' program, as VanSlooten becomes the first MSU player drafted since Nia Clouden in 2022 and the ninth overall in school history.

For VanSlooten, the selection represents a homecoming of sorts. The talented forward began her collegiate career out west with the Oregon Ducks before transferring to Michigan State. During her time as a Spartan, she earned two Second Team All-Big Ten selections and was instrumental in helping the team secure 45 wins over her tenure, showcasing the consistent high-level play that caught the Storm's eye.

The WNBA draft is the culmination of years of hard work for college stars, and VanSlooten's journey from the Pacific Northwest to the Big Ten and now back to Seattle is a testament to her adaptability and skill. Her selection reinforces the pipeline of talent from the collegiate game to the professional ranks, where a new generation of athletes is poised to make their mark. As she joins a storied franchise like the Storm, VanSlooten is ready to bring her Spartan toughness to the next chapter of her basketball career.