Michigan State's Grace VanSlooten selected by Storm in WNBA draft

VanSlooten becomes first Spartan drafted since 2019

Apr. 14, 2026 at 2:50am

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A fragmented, abstract painting in the style of Pablo Picasso, featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of teal, navy, and gold, conceptually representing the dynamic energy of a WNBA draft selection.A cubist interpretation of a WNBA draft pick, deconstructing the moment of selection into a dynamic geometric composition.Seattle Today

Michigan State women's basketball star Grace VanSlooten was selected by the Seattle Storm with the 39th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. VanSlooten is the first Spartan player to be drafted since 2019.

Why it matters

VanSlooten's selection marks a significant milestone for the Michigan State women's basketball program, as she is the first Spartan player to be drafted into the WNBA in several years. Her success will help raise the profile of the program and inspire future Spartan players.

The details

VanSlooten, a standout forward for the Spartans, was chosen by the Seattle Storm with the 39th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She is the first Michigan State player to be drafted since 2019, when Nia Clouden was selected in the third round.

  • VanSlooten was selected in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2026.

The players

Grace VanSlooten

A forward for the Michigan State women's basketball team who was selected 39th overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Seattle Storm

A professional women's basketball team in the WNBA that selected Grace VanSlooten with the 39th overall pick in the 2026 draft.

Nia Clouden

A former Michigan State women's basketball player who was selected in the third round of the 2019 WNBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to add Grace to our roster. She's a talented player who will be a great fit with our team.”

— Noelle Quinn, Head Coach, Seattle Storm

What’s next

VanSlooten will now join the Seattle Storm roster and begin preparing for the upcoming WNBA season.

The takeaway

VanSlooten's selection in the WNBA Draft is a proud moment for the Michigan State women's basketball program, as she becomes the first Spartan player drafted since 2019. Her success will help raise the profile of the program and inspire future players to follow in her footsteps.