Sparks guard Kelsey Plum has become one of the most recognized and influential players in women’s basketball. Known for her explosive scoring, fearless playing style, and outspoken personality, Plum has carved a unique path through the college ranks, the WNBA, and international competition. Though the recent mention of her playing for the Los Angeles Sparks has caused some confusion, it’s important to clarify that Kelsey Plum currently plays for the Las Vegas Aces. The mislabeling may stem from recent media reports or speculation, but Plum remains a key figure in the Aces’ championship-winning roster.
Born on August 24, 1994, in Poway, California, Plum grew up in an athletic family. Her mother played volleyball at the collegiate level, while her father played football and baseball. This sports-rich environment helped shape her competitive mindset early on. Plum chose to attend the University of Washington, where she began rewriting the record books. During her college career from 2013 to 2017, she became the NCAA Division I women’s all-time leading scorer with 3,527 career points. Her senior year was marked by multiple accolades, including the John R. Wooden Award, the Naismith Award, and AP Player of the Year. Her leadership helped guide the Huskies to the 2016 Final Four, an historic moment for the program.
Kelsey Plum was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars. The team later relocated and became the Las Vegas Aces. Though her early years in the league saw some adjustment periods, Plum’s breakout came in the 2021 season when she was named WNBA Sixth Player of the Year. That season highlighted her ability to dominate games off the bench, energize the team, and score in bunches. The following year, in 2022, Plum became a WNBA All-Star and helped lead the Aces to their first-ever league championship. Her performance earned her a spot on the All-WNBA First Team.
Plum’s success continued into the 2023 season, when the Aces repeated as WNBA champions. Her sharp shooting, speed, and basketball IQ have made her one of the league’s toughest guards to defend. She is especially known for her three-point range and her aggressive drives to the basket. Beyond the WNBA, Plum also brought home a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, competing in 3×3 basketball for Team USA. This achievement solidified her status as an elite international competitor.
Off the court, Kelsey Plum has gained attention for her candidness and advocacy. She often speaks out about athlete mental health, the challenges of women’s sports media coverage, and issues within WNBA officiating. In June 2025, Plum voiced frustration over the lack of foul calls during games, noting that despite driving to the basket frequently and sustaining visible scratches, she rarely gets the same foul calls as other guards. Her comments sparked wider discussion among fans and players about the consistency of officiating in the WNBA.
In her personal life, Plum has also been in the spotlight. She married NFL tight end Darren Waller, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the couple reportedly filed for divorce in 2024. Despite personal challenges, Plum continues to maintain her focus on the game and remains a respected leader in the basketball community. With two WNBA championships, a growing list of awards, and a strong voice in shaping the future of women’s basketball, Sparks guard Kelsey Plum is far more than just a talented player. She is a game-changer both on and off the court.
