Kiah Irene Stokes, a powerful presence in the WNBA and Turkish Super League, has established herself as a premier player in women’s basketball. Born to former NBA player, Greg Stokes, and track athlete, Julie Saddler, Stokes has created her own legacy in the basketball world. Known for her strong defensive skills, especially rebounding and shot-blocking, Stokes has carved a niche for herself in the fiercely competitive world of professional basketball.
Early Life and Education
Kiah Stokes was born on March 30, 1993. With sports running in her blood, her athletic talent was apparent from a young age. At just four years old, Stokes outpaced older children in a 60-yard dash at a YMCA event, marking the first sign of her athletic prowess.
She honed her basketball skills at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa. From there, she went on to play at the University of Connecticut, where she was a key contributor to four consecutive Final Four teams and three national championship-winning teams from 2013 to 2015.
Career Highlights
Stokes began her professional journey when the New York Liberty selected her with the 11th overall selection in Round 1 of 2015 WNBA Draft. From Day 1, Stokes made an immediate impact through her rebounding and shot blocking abilities; quickly becoming part of their defensive units and contributing greatly.
Stokes has proven her worth in the WNBA by posting impressive stats: an average of 4.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game over her five year career. Stokes’ impressive defensive prowess can be evidenced through record-setting performances; she holds both UConn’s single season blocks record with 147 blocks as well as the WNBA record for most blocks per game with 10.
Stokes has also demonstrated her skills internationally, playing in South Korea and Turkey. Her career reached new heights when she captured both titles – winning both WNBA and EuroLeague championships with Las Vegas Aces respectively. A year later, Fenerbahce offered up another victory.
Stokes’s Physical Attributes: An Advantage on the Court
At 6 feet 3 inches and 191 pounds, Stokes stands out on the basketball court thanks to her height and physique. As center, she typically stands tallest amongst her team’s players and uses these traits effectively for scoring, rebounding, blocking and blocking shots.
Family Legacy: The Stokes in Sports
Stokes is the daughter of Greg Stokes and Julie Saddler. Greg Stokes was a legendary NBA player while her mother Julie competed as an Olympic track athlete. Greg’s impressive NBA career included stints with Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Italy and Australia teams before winning gold as part of 1983 USA Pan American Games team. Greg’s sporting legacy undoubtedly had a profound influence on Stokes, shaping her into the top-tier athlete she is today.
Kiah Stokes continues to make waves in professional women’s basketball with her defensive prowess and athletic prowess, making her one of the players to watch in coming years.
