Katie Smith Hall of Fame NBA

Katie Smith was a trailblazing guard whose all-around excellence reshaped women’s professional basketball. Born in Ohio in 1974, she starred at Ohio State before claiming two American Basketball League championships with Columbus. In 1999 she joined the inaugural WNBA Minnesota Lynx and played 15 seasons across five teams. Smith retired in 2013 as the all‑time leading scorer in U.S. professional women’s basketball, finishing with nearly 7,900 career points combining ABL and WNBA totals.

A seven‑time WNBA All‑Star and two‑time First‑Team selection, she won two WNBA titles with Detroit (2006, 2008), earning Finals MVP in 2008. Known for her lethal shooting, basketball IQ, and leadership, she starred internationally on three Olympic gold teams and two World Championship champions. Honored by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018, Smith’s legacy bridges eras and leagues. She remains celebrated for scoring, longevity, and pioneering influence both on and off the court.

Smith's Awards & Records: 

• 2× ABL champion (1997, 1998)
• 2× WNBA champion (2006, 2008)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2008)
• 2× All-WNBA First Team (2001, 2003)
• 7× WNBA All-Star (2000–2003, 2005, 2006, 2009)

WNBA Records:

• Single‑game scoring record (at the time): 46 points
• WNBA single‑season scoring record: 739 points in 2001
• Most free throws made in a WNBA season: 246 in 2001
• Free throw percentage (min. 150 attempts) in a season: .895 in 2001
• First American woman to reach 5,000 and 6,000 pro career points

Career Teams:

As a player:
Minnesota Lynx 1999–2005
Lotos Gdynia 2001–2002
Detroit Shock 2006–2009
Fenerbahçe Istanbul 2009
Washington Mystics 2010
Seattle Storm 2011–2013
New York Liberty 2013

WNBA Draft:
1999: Allocated
Minnesota Lynx

Number Worn:
30

WNBA Stats:

Seasons:
1996–2013 (ABL & WNBA)
Points (ABL + WNBA):
7,885
WNBA Points:
6,452
WNBA 3‑pointers made:
906
Free throws made (2001):
246
All-Star selections:
7× WNBA All-Star (2000–2003, 2005, 2006, 2009)