Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Kelsey Plum

How Kelsey Plum built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Kelsey Plum, nicknamed "Plum Dawg," is a prominent American professional basketball player currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA and the Phantom of Unrivaled. A four-time WNBA All-Star, she earned the WNBA All-Star Game MVP award in 2022. She has won gold medals representing the United States in both 3x3 basketball (2020) and 5x5 basketball (2024). Additionally, Plum founded the Dawg Class basketball camp.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: CIF Division IV State Championship

In 2012, Kelsey Plum's high school team won the CIF Division IV state championship.

July 2013: Competed in FIBA U19 World Championship

In July 2013, Kelsey Plum competed for the US at the Tenth FIBA U19 World Championship in Lithuania, where the team won all nine games.

2013: Named McDonald's All-American and Ms. Basketball

In 2013, Kelsey Plum was named a McDonald's All-American and Ms. Basketball by CalHiSports, recognizing her as the best female high school basketball player in California.

2013: Selected to the WBCA High School Coaches' All-America Team

In 2013, Kelsey Plum was selected to the 2013 WBCA High School Coaches' All-America Team and participated in the 2013 WBCA High School All-America Game, scoring 14 points.

2014: The Aces Last Playoff Appearance

2019 was the first time the Aces had made the playoffs since 2014.

2015: Named to Pan American Games Squad

In 2015, Kelsey Plum was named a member of the twelve player squad representing the US to play Basketball at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto held from July 16 to 25 at the Ryerson Athletic Centre.

2015: Participated in the Pan American Games

Kelsey Plum participated as a member of the USA Women's Pan American Team, in the 2015 Pan American Games held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada from July 10 to 26, 2015, where the team won against Brazil.

December 11, 2016: All-Time Leading Scorer in Pac-12 History

On December 11, 2016, during her senior season, Kelsey Plum became the all-time leading scorer for either gender in Pac-12 history, surpassing Chiney Ogwumike in a win over Boise State.

February 25, 2017: NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Career Scoring Record

On February 25, 2017, Kelsey Plum set the NCAA Division I women's basketball career scoring record, scoring a Pac-12 record 57 points in a win over Utah.

May 25, 2017: WNBA Career Debut

On May 25, 2017, Kelsey Plum made her WNBA career debut for the San Antonio Stars against the Dallas Wings, scoring four points and one assist.

August 5, 2017: Career-High 23 Points

On August 5, 2017, Kelsey Plum scored a career-high 23 points in an 87-80 overtime win against the Seattle Storm.

2017: Signed with Fenerbahçe and Won KBSL Championship

In 2017, Kelsey Plum signed with Fenerbahçe of the Women's Basketball Super League (KBSL) in Turkey for the 2017-18 season and helped the team win the KBSL championship title.

2017: Selected First Overall in WNBA Draft

In 2017, Kelsey Plum was selected first overall in the WNBA draft by the San Antonio Stars.

2018: Improved Stats with Las Vegas Aces

In 2018, Kelsey Plum improved in every statistical category, averaging more points, rebounds, and assists with higher shooting percentages for the Las Vegas Aces.

2018: Won Another KBSL Championship and Turkish Women's Basketball Cup

In 2018, Kelsey Plum returned to Fenerbahçe and helped the team win another KBSL championship and the Turkish Women's Basketball Cup.

2019: Playoff Appearance and Semi-Finals Loss

In 2019, the Aces made the playoffs for the first time since 2014, with Kelsey Plum stepping up offensively. They lost in the semi-finals to the Washington Mystics.

May 15, 2020: Signed Two-Year Extension with Aces

On May 15, 2020, Kelsey Plum signed a two-year contract extension with the Las Vegas Aces worth $350,000.

2020: Won Gold Medal in 3x3 Basketball

In 2020, Kelsey Plum won a gold medal with the United States in 3x3 basketball.

July 2021: Won Gold Medal in 3x3 Basketball at the Olympics

In July 2021, Kelsey Plum won the gold medal in 3x3 basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics.

2021: Named Western Conference Player of the Month

In 2021, Kelsey Plum was named Western Conference Player of the Month. She was named WNBA Sixth Player of the Year and finished second in the WNBA Most Improved Player voting.

January 2022: Signed with Galatasaray

In January 2022, Kelsey Plum signed with Galatasaray of the KBSL. She averaged 26.5 points in 6 games.

2022: Career Highs and All-Star Game MVP

In 2022, Kelsey Plum achieved career highs in points, assists, and rebounds, and was named All-Star Game MVP on July 10, scoring 30 points and signing a two-year contract extension.

2022: Won WNBA Championship and Earned All-WNBA First Team Selection

In 2022, Kelsey Plum won a WNBA championship with the Aces and earned her first All-WNBA First Team selection.

2023: Won Back-to-Back WNBA Championships

In 2023, Kelsey Plum won back-to-back WNBA championships with the Aces.

June 2024: Named to US Olympic Team

In June 2024, Kelsey Plum was named to the US women's Olympic team to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.

July 15, 2024: Announcement of Appearance in Unrivaled League

On July 15, 2024, it was announced that Kelsey Plum would appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a new women's 3-on-3 basketball league.

November 2024: Withdrawal from 2025 Unrivaled Season

In late November 2024, Kelsey Plum announced via social media that she would no longer be playing in the 2025 Unrivaled season and would instead "take some more time for myself this offseason."