You rarely see someone who’s been in the league for 10 years and a 32-year-old become an All-Star for the first time in her WNBA career. Having the opportunity to learn and reflect on her journey en route to becoming an All-Star is a story that needs to be told.
Here’s Kayla Thornton‘s insight on her path as an undrafted player during All-Star weekend:
https://twitter.com/SiriusXMNBA/status/1946587081998041526
The Unique Journey of Kayla Thornton in the WNBA
Kayla Thornton’s Unexpected Path of a Champion
Talk about a unique and memorable journey. Thornton went undrafted after playing at UTEP from 2010 to 2014 — before being picked up and then waived by the Washington Mystics in 2014.
In 2014, Thornton played for Montaneras in Puerto Rico and Maccabi Ramat in Israel.
In 2015, Thornton would find her way back by signing with the Mystics. In her case, she hardly played — averaged only 8.8 minutes per game in 10 games.
Thornton would be waived again after only playing one year with the Mystics. She spent 2016 overseas, playing for Cangrejeras de Santurce in Puerto Rico and Bucheon Hana 1Q in South Korea.
Thornton’s WNBA career trajectory changed the following year when she signed with the Dallas Wings, where she spent six seasons.
During Thornton’s tenure in Dallas, she started 132 games and played in 184 games, averaging 8.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game in 26.3 minutes per game.
Dallas gave her the credence and confidence that she belonged in the WNBA.
Thornton would then be involved in a three-team trade between the Dallas Wings, Connecticut Sun, and the New York Liberty, where her next destination would be with the Liberty.
Thornton would spend two seasons with the Liberty as a pivotal piece in their quest for their first title in franchise history.
New York made the Finals in both her seasons — losing to the Las Vegas Aces in 2023, but then they would bounce back the following year to beat the Minnesota Lynx to capture their first title in franchise history.
Thornton’s energy, toughness, experience, and winning intangibles helped accomplish why players play the game: a championship.
Career Year
After being drafted ninth in the expansion draft, the Golden State Valkyries are the surprise team and the best story of the season thus far, in large part because of Thornton’s ascension.
With Thornton leading the charge through the first half of the season, Golden State is fighting for the final playoff spot. They are currently the ninth seed at 11-13, a half-game back from the final spot.
In 22 games this season, Thornton averaged 14 points, seven rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, all career-highs.
Thornton has truly blossomed in Golden State, as coach Natalie Nakase has given her more responsibility, while being tasked with defending the opposition’s best player, which has caused her to spread her wings fully.
This has been the primary catalyst behind them exceeding expectations and being in the playoff mix despite only being in their first year as the expansion team.
Here’s a memorable quote from coach Nakase’s giving the ultimate praise and showing her appreciation to Thornton:
Not even about her performance… but just her leadership. Her leadership… we lean to KT to hear her voice… and she responds. You saw her out there… commanding but also supporting, because when we’re not playing our best, we need to hear some support. So that’s what we lean on KT, just not even about her performance, it’s more to me, what she means and how she commands and demands the team to move. But obviously hitting those big shots at the end and reliability… we completely rely on KT and I love that she stays consistent for us. —Natalie Nakase
Defying the Odds
Before the season, there weren’t a lot of expectations for this team, due to being the first year of expansion and not having a star. There were a lot of unknowns: Who will be their go-to option? How will they fill out the roles on this roster? What will this team look like in the first year of expansion?
Thornton made it clear and set the tone by being the top option and veteran leader for this new group, which is why the Valkyries have a shot at making the playoffs.
Unfortunately, the league’s best story has ended, as Golden State has suffered a massive blow with Thornton suffering a season-ending right knee injury.
Now… knowing Thornton’s story — would anyone expect anything different but for her to return stronger? Her perseverance and unwavering belief in herself are the epitome of why people should never lose faith in their dreams.
Main Image: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
