Samuelson’s ACL Injury: Season-Ending Blow for the Storm – What It Means for the Team

Seattle Storm forward Katie Lou Samuelson will sit out the upcoming WNBA season after suffering a severe ACL tear in her right knee during practice. The team confirmed the news on Saturday.

Samuelson, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2019 draft from UConn, joined the Storm in February. She previously played for Seattle in 2021.

This season will be especially tough for the Storm, as they also lost two other players to ACL injuries: guard Jordan Horston and Nika Muhl. Muhl was injured while playing in Turkey last October, and Horston’s injury occurred in February during a game in Athletes Unlimited in Nashville.

At just 27, Samuelson has had a varied WNBA career, starting with the Chicago Sky and playing for teams like Dallas, Los Angeles, and Indiana. She missed the entire 2023 season due to maternity leave and played for the Fever last season, averaging 4.3 points and 2.3 rebounds. Her standout year was in 2022 with the Sparks, where she averaged 9.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

Samuelson’s accomplishments include winning a national championship with UConn in her freshman year in 2016. She was also set to join the U.S. 3×3 basketball team in the Tokyo Olympics but had to withdraw due to COVID-19, leading to her being replaced by Jackie Young of the Las Vegas Aces.

This situation highlights a worrying trend in women’s basketball: increasing injuries. Experts believe that the high intensity of play, combined with the demands of multiple seasons in different leagues, contributes to these injuries. Below is a recent statistic that underscores this concern: according to a 2023 study, nearly 30% of female basketball players report suffering injuries during competitive seasons. It raises questions about player health and safety protocols.

As Samuelson focuses on recovery, basketball fans are rallying behind her on social media, sharing messages of support and highlighting her resilience. This community backing can play an important role in an athlete’s mental health during challenging times.

For more on athletic injuries and recovery methods, visit the [American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine](https://www.sportsmed.org). They offer valuable insights into injury prevention and rehabilitation for athletes.

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