A precocious talent, Svetlana Abrosimova made her international debut at age 18, representing Russia. She subsequently came to the U.S. to play college basketball for the University of Connecticut, spending three years alongside Storm teammates Sue Bird and Swin Cash and helping the Huskies win the 2000 NCAA Championship. The No. 7 overall pick of the 2001 WNBA Draft, Abrosimova spent seven seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, including two playing for Storm Head Coach Brian Agler. After a brief stint with the Connecticut Sun following the 2008 Olympics, Abrosimova joined the Storm in 2010 and was the top reserve off the bench during the historic championship season. Abrosimova spent 2011 helping her national team qualify for the Olympics, but when she was unexpectedly left off the roster, Abrosimova had the opportunity to join the Storm midway through the 2012 campaign.