Guard Kristy Wallace of the Indiana Fever got some great news over the weekend. The former NBA player found out that she would be competing for Team Australia in Paris in 2024.
Wallace, an Australian native from Loganholme, Queensland, was shocked to hear the news when she got the call from Sandy Brondello, the coach of Team Australia and the New York Liberty. The Fever guard told the tale to media on Tuesday during their meeting.
“When Sandy called me that morning, all I could do was cry uncontrollably. Thus, the call proceeded as described by Wallace. “It was a really special moment.”
Any athlete’s dream is to represent their country at the Olympics. Wallace has an extremely unique opportunity as well.
In 2024, Wallace is a member of the Fever for her second season. In Indiana’s first 21 WNBA games, she’s averaging 5.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. In addition, she shoots 37.7% from the field.
Wallace is only the sixth player in the history of the team to compete in the Olympics. Natalie Achonwa (Canada, 2016), Tully Bevilaqua (Australia, 2008), Tamika Catchings (USA, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016), and Kara Wolters (USA, 2000) are among the other participants.
Wallace attended Baylor during her college basketball career from 2014 to 2018, before joining the WNBA. During her four years with the Bears, she averaged 8.9 points, 3.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.
In the 2018 WNBA Draft, Wallace was chosen with the 16th overall choice by the Atlanta Dream. Nevertheless, it wasn’t until the 2022 season with the Dream that the guard made her WNBA debut.
Wallace participated in 66 games throughout her first two seasons in the league, averaging 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per contest.