In a groundbreaking announcement, the University of Washington revealed that former Huskies guard Kelsey Plum will be the first women’s basketball player in school history to have her jersey retired. The momentous occasion is set to take place on January 18, 2025, when Washington hosts Purdue at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
A Trailblazing Career
Plum, who donned the purple and gold from 2013 to 2017, left an indelible mark on the Huskies program. Her illustrious career was punctuated by a senior season that saw her earn consensus national player of the year honors. In a fitting finale, Plum poured in a school-record 57 points on senior day against Utah, surpassing Jackie Stiles to become the all-time leading scorer in Division I women’s basketball history.
While Caitlin Clark has since eclipsed Plum’s scoring record, the impact of her achievements remains undiminished. Plum’s legacy extends beyond individual accolades, as she guided Washington to its first-ever Final Four appearance in 2016, earning a spot on the AP All-America third team in the process.
From College Phenom to WNBA Champion
Plum’s success at Washington catapulted her to the top of the 2017 WNBA draft, where she was selected first overall by the San Antonio Stars. As the Stars relocated to Las Vegas and became the Aces, Plum emerged as a vital cog in the team’s rise to prominence. Her contributions proved instrumental in the Aces’ back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023.
Recognized as one of the WNBA’s elite, Plum has garnered three All-Star selections and further cemented her status on the international stage. This past summer, she played a key role in helping the United States capture the gold medal at the Olympics.
Entering a New Era
As the Huskies prepare for their inaugural season in the Big Ten, Plum’s jersey retirement serves as a poignant bridge between the program’s storied past and its promising future. Her No. 10 will take its rightful place in the rafters of Hec Edmundson Pavilion, alongside the retired numbers of Husky greats Bob Houbregs, Brandon Roy, Isaiah Thomas, Courtney Thompson, and Krista Vansant.
Kelsey Plum’s jersey retirement is not only a testament to her incredible accomplishments but also a watershed moment for our women’s basketball program. Her legacy will forever inspire future generations of Huskies.
A source close to the Washington athletics department
While the Huskies continue to chase their first NCAA tournament appearance since Plum led the team to the Sweet Sixteen in 2017, her enduring impact provides a foundation for the program’s aspirations. As the jersey retirement ceremony approaches, the basketball world will unite in celebrating the extraordinary career of a true Husky legend.
A Night to Remember
January 18, 2025, promises to be an emotionally charged evening as Kelsey Plum returns to her alma mater for a long-overdue honor. Fans, teammates, and coaches will gather to pay tribute to a player who not only rewrote the record books but also redefined what is possible for the Huskies women’s basketball program.
As the first woman to have her jersey retired by Washington, Plum’s legacy will forever be enshrined in the annals of Husky history. Her journey from college phenom to WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist serves as a shining example of the heights that can be reached through dedication, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
While the specifics of the ceremony remain under wraps, one thing is certain: Kelsey Plum’s impact on the University of Washington and the sport of women’s basketball will be celebrated in grand fashion. As her No. 10 jersey rises to the rafters, it will serve as a permanent reminder of the greatness that once graced the court at Hec Edmundson Pavilion and the indelible mark left by a true Husky icon.
