SEATTLE --- University of Washington women's basketball alumna Sami Whitcomb became the first player in program history to win a WNBA title, helping the Seattle Storm complete a three-game sweep over the Washington Mystics in the WNBA Finals Wednesday night.
Whitcomb was a key spark off the bench for the Storm, averaging 6.2 points while shooting 46.4% from the field and 50.0% from three point- range. She provided a huge boost to the team in game five of the semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, scoring 11 points over the final 15 minutes of the game to turn a 57-49 deficit into a 94-84 victory.
Undrafted in 2010. Rookie #WNBA season in 2017. Champion in 2018.
In the Finals-clinching win on Wednesday, Whitcomb again provided the spark after Washington had closed the gap to five midway through the fourth quarter. Whitcomb drained a pair of clutch three-pointers to put the Storm back up by double-figures and Seattle would not look back.
WNBA Champions and an Opals call-up?!?! I'm overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. How lucky am I?!!? pic.twitter.com/yjhXy69mxd
Whitcomb just finished her second season playing with the Storm, signing as a 29-year-old rookie after playing in three countries over six years while waiting for her chance to play in the WNBA. Prior to coming back to Seattle, Whitcomb played for the Rockingham Flames of the Australian State Basketball League, earning a pair of league MVP honors and leading the team to two championships.
Sami Whitcomb at UW
Recently, Whitcomb became an Australian citizen and just this week was called up to play with the Australian Opals--the national team of Australia--in the upcoming World Cup.
Whitcomb was a four-year letterwinner at UW from 2007-2010, finishing her career ranked 15th all-time in scoring with 1,205 points and fourth in team history in 3-point field goals made (176). She averaged 10.6 points per game in her career, shooting 33.3% from three-point range and 38.9% from the field. As a senior, Whitcomb earned All-Pac-10 honors, averaging 13.0 points per game.
The Storm have announced a championship parade and rally, which will be held Sunday at 1:00 p.m. at KeyArena. Visit the Storm website for more information.
The Huskies open the 2018-19 season at home, hosting Cal State Fullerton on Nov. 8.
For all the latest information on Washington women's basketball, follow the team at @UW_WBB on Twitter and Instagram and at @UWHuskyWomensBasketball on Facebook.
