LOS ANGELES – “I had been at Tennessee for 4-years, I felt like I had enough experience to take that next step.”
ESPN had Rae Burrell ranked 43rd overall, and she committed to the University of Tennessee her freshman year. She made an impact on the team immediately, but her best season came her junior year, where she averaged 16.8 ppg. She was second on the team in scoring and the only Lady Vol to start all 25 games.
Early in her senior season, Burrell suffered a knee injury and missed 12 games, but still averaged more than 12 ppg. Of course she had the option to return for another season due to the COVID-19 rule, but since she had already earned her degree she opted for the pros instead.
“I had to pick and choose whether I wanted to get my knee fixed and stay another year or just take the chance and play in the W.”
Rae Burrell was selected 9th overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2022 draft. Her rookie season she didn’t play much due to her prior knee injury, there was also a coaching change during that time as well.
You could say that Burrell went through adversity in the beginning of her professional career. From rehabbing her injury, dealing with a coaching change, and having to ultimately earn her spot during training camp. Burrell did not make the Sparks roster following the 2023 training camp, but was signed to a hardship contract in May.
“Honestly I feel like being on a hardship helped me, because I just really had to persevere. I might not be on the team this week but whenever I get in i’ll make sure I’m ready.”
This past February the Sparks announced that they signed Burrell to a multi year contract. She credits her time playing in Australia for helping her to keep her game up and play with the physicality.
“It was a good league to build my confidence, I had a few good games… I think Australia did a good job with getting my confidence back and getting my confidence back in my knee, and just preparing me to get back into the W.”
The Sparks are last in the conference, but have so much to look forward to. Dearica Hamby is this season’s frontrunner for most improved player. Rookie Rickea Jackson has scored over 500 points, and before leaving this season with an ACL injury, Cameron Brink led the league in blocks. Let’s not forget veterans Azura’ Stevens and Lexie Brown. Burrell says the team’s chemistry off the court is unmatched.
“This team is just so special, our personalities just mesh so well.”
Rae mentioned how the vets on the team give so much knowledge to the younger players.
“All of the players are very supportive, but if I had to go to anyone it would be Lexie. She and I are super close, she’s been here since my rookie season… she’s like a big sister to me.”
Burrell mentioned the rise in fandom and popularity she’s seen since she’s entered the league. Saying that there isn’t an arena they play in where it isn’t packed with fans. She also credits the rookies for assisting with bringing new eyes to the game.
“You gotta shout out the rookies that came in and brought in more attention, coming in from NIL and college. They were just able to get us on the map, and the media was able to pick up. I don’t think media was a top priority for the league in the past.”
In 2022 the average fan attendance was 5,679, this season the average is up to 9,311. These numbers were reported by Across the Timeline. The league hasn’t seen these types of numbers since the 90s. When asked what she would like to see the media and the league do to keep these numbers consistent, she said she’d love if they would show how players are relatable to the fans.
“Keep sharing our stories, making sure the team media is on top of it because the fans want to see it. They want to see the tik tok trends… they want to see the silly stuff.”
Rae says the current college players will also help to grow the “W” fan base. They already have fans who follow them because they play for their favorite team, but also because they enjoy seeing them on social media. There are so many dynamic players on the collegiate level right now, and when asked who she enjoyed watching, she named a few.
Brandolyn Hellams is a journalist and producer in Atlanta, who covers sports and entertainment.
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