WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Katie Smith

• 7-time WNBA All-Star
• 2-time WNBA Champion
• WNBA Finals MVP (2008)

Katie Smith was a versatile guard who dominated women's basketball with her sharp-shooting and leadership, becoming the all-time leading scorer in women's professional basketball history.

Overview

Katie Smith's professional basketball career spanned nearly two decades across multiple leagues, cementing her legacy as one of the most dominant and accomplished players in women's basketball history. Her combination of scoring prowess, clutch performances, and championship pedigree made her a cornerstone of every team she played for.

Career Snapshot

Smith began her pro career in the ABL with the Columbus Quest, winning two championships before the league folded. She then became a cornerstone player for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA's early years before joining the Detroit Shock, where she captured two WNBA titles. Smith's lethal outside shooting and ability to play multiple positions made her nearly impossible to defend.

Playing Style

Known for her deadly accurate three-point shot, Smith was one of the purest shooters the women's game has ever seen. She had picture-perfect form and could get her shot off quickly, even with defenders draped all over her. But Smith was far more than just a shooter - she was a complete player who could post up smaller guards, distribute the ball, and defend at a high level.

Why Katie Smith is on our list

Smith's combination of individual accolades and team success puts her in rarefied air. She is the all-time leading scorer in women's professional basketball with 7,885 total points between the ABL and WNBA. Smith was a 7-time WNBA All-Star, 2-time All-WNBA First Team selection, and WNBA Finals MVP. She led the league in scoring in 2001 and was named to the WNBA's 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th Anniversary Teams. Smith's three Olympic gold medals and two World Championship golds with Team USA further bolster her case as one of the most dominant players ever.

Five Fast Facts

1. First player in WNBA history to make 1,000 career three-pointers
2. Scored 52 points in a game in 2001, which stood as the WNBA single-game record for nearly 15 years
3. One of only two players to win championships in both the ABL and WNBA
4. Had her number 30 retired by the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2001
5. Inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018

Career Highlights Timeline

1996: Wins gold medal with USA Basketball at Jones Cup

1997: Leads Columbus Quest to first ABL championship

1998: Repeats as ABL champion with Quest, wins gold at World Championship

1999: Selected by Minnesota Lynx in WNBA expansion draft

2000: Makes first WNBA All-Star team, wins Olympic gold in Sydney

2001: Leads WNBA in scoring (23.1 PPG), sets single-game scoring record with 52 points

2004: Wins second Olympic gold medal in Athens

2005: Traded mid-season to Detroit Shock

2006: Captures first WNBA championship with Shock

2008: Wins WNBA Finals MVP as Shock claim second title, earns third Olympic gold in Beijing

2011: Named to WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time list

2013: Retires as all-time leading scorer in women's pro basketball history

2018: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Katie Smith's unparalleled scoring ability, championship résumé, and sustained excellence over a 15+ year professional career solidify her status as one of the most dominant players in WNBA history. Her impact on the game continues today through her coaching career, where she aims to mentor the next generation of women's basketball stars.