Seattle Opens Training Camp April 24

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The Seattle Storm drafted two players in Thursday night’s 2016 WNBA Draft presented by State Farm. With the first overall pick, Seattle selected Breanna Stewart, a 6-4 forward from the University of Connecticut.

“This is a big day for our franchise and for our city,” said Storm head coach Jenny Boucek. “We’ve had the good fortune of building around two once-in-a-lifetime cornerstones in Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson. What has been incredibly special about Sue and LJ is that they are not only unique talents, but they are even better teammates and women. Breanna is of the same breed: a rare combination of elite talent and character.”

Stewart had an unprecedented career at Connecticut, winning four straight national championships and garnering a trio of AP Player of the Year awards, both records. She also became the first player to win the Most Outstanding Player award in four different NCAA Tournaments.

Stewart led the Huskies in scoring each of the last three seasons, putting up 19.4 points per game as a senior. She joins Storm guard Sue Bird as one of five Connecticut players to be selected first overall in the WNBA draft.

“I plan to go to Seattle, hopefully help them in any way possible, and make a mark,” Stewart said. “I’m just looking forward to going out to a great city and trying to make an impact.”

With the team’s second and final pick of the draft, the Storm selected Lexi Eaton Rydalch at 26th overall. Eaton Rydalch, a 5-10 guard from Brigham Young University, ranked fifth in the nation with 24.2 points per game as a senior this past season. She led the Cougars to their first West Coast Conference regular-season title and a third consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.

Named the 2015-16 WCC Player of the Year, Eaton Rydalch became the conference’s all-time leading scorer with 2,535 career points.

“We’ve had our eye on Lexi for a few years,” Boucek said. “She’s a great athlete and competitor, and we are excited to work with her.”

Seattle opens its 2016 WNBA home slate at KeyArena on Sunday, May 22 vs. defending WNBA Champions Minnesota Lynx. Secure the best seats in the house with Storm 360 Memberships, available now, starting at $288, available online or by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622). For packages and group discounts, please call 206-217-WNBA (9622).