Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum is a cigar-smoking WNBA champion, and she likes it that way.
The former Washington Husky and California native has spent six seasons in the WNBA, making a lane for herself that was built from sweat, hustle, and grind. Since 2021, Plum has added Sixth Player of the Year, All-WNBA First Team, WNBA All-Star, and two-time champ to her impressive accolades.
Ahead of the holiday season, Plum is now taking her elite game to shopping lanes by partnering with DICK’S Sporting Goods for their Holiday Sprint contest. The promo gives one lucky fan a chance to be Plum’s teammate as they grab up to $5,000 worth of gear.
“I’m hyped about it. I am taking this very seriously. I’ll be wearing the proper attire. I’m going to be hydrated,” Plum told For The Win. “I will leave no food on the table. We are going HAM in the store.”
Ahead of USA Basketball’s training camp in Atlanta that starts on November 7, Plum spoke with For The Win about what makes the Aces’ championship team so unique, why the WNBA expanding matters, and why it’s her mission to make sure other teams are absolutely sick of her.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
What did you say to yourself in the quiet moments to not lose sight of the ultimate goal of winning a second straight WNBA title?
Honestly, the season was pretty brutal because of our strength of schedule and the amount of travel. I think that I relied a ton on my faith. I had moments where I would take a breath and meditate or pray because sometimes it can be overwhelming — but those moments prepared us for the playoffs.
It was really special to be able to do that with a hyper-competitive group and to come out on the other side as back-to-back champs. It feels tremendous.
The Aces celebrated with a bingo night, a championship parade and an Usher concert, but what was one of the best things that people might not have seen that was special to you?
There were a lot of individual social media moments for people, but the behind-the-scenes group chat was special. We could never bring it to light. That’s probably a good thing. It was lit. We had a lot of fun.
When your career is over, what's a stat or accomplishment you would like to have that might make people do a double-take upon reading?
Many people talk about legacy, and I feel like mine is still very unwritten. I’m kind of just getting started. But I do take pride in preparing for games.
I want that other team to be like, “Ugh, we’re in for a long one.” I want to be that person who, when people line up to play against us, they know that they got 40 minutes of me. I want people to be sick of me.
What sort of impact do you think expansion will have on the WNBA?
It was cool to see the league officially announce that there will be a team with Golden State. I think that what they’ve done with their franchise, and how they have continued to have greatness throughout the years, is a testament to how they treat the players. I’m excited to have a franchise that is highly invested in human beings.
We’ve seen the success and the investment from owners who care and owners willing to put money, time and resources into building facilities and resources that allow women to grow their games and ultimately produce wins on the court. I think that’s super important.
Any big offseason plans you're excited about?
First and foremost, just being around my husband [New York Giants tight end Darren Waller] after getting married. We’ve been split up for pretty much the entire season. I’m excited to be on the East Coast and be with him.
Eventually, vacation and USA Basketball. I don’t know where I’m going or what I’m doing, but I’m doing something. I’m going to figure it out!
Who is one WNBA player and women’s college basketball player that enough people aren't talking about?
Rhyne Howard, 100 percent Rhyne Howard.
For college, it’s Te-Hina Paopao, who just transferred from Oregon to South Carolina. That’s my girl. I’m hoping she has a big year.
Hypothetical scenario: A friend gives you DJ responsibilities at their birthday party. You can play anything you want. What does your playlist look like?
I’m going Earth, Wind and Fire, Marvin Gaye, Al Green and Jackson Five. I don’t know the audience. I don’t know if there are kids, but I’m going old school.
How in the world did the team get Jackie Young to actually tweet?
I don’t know. She doesn’t talk that much to the media. But she talks, and she is not innocent.
Jackie Yong is sarcastic and has a smart mouth. She’s got a little pop to her. It’s just funny because she tweeted, and I said, “It’s about time you said something.”
i don’t even tweet lol but the squad woke up activated😂
— Jackie Young (@JackieYoung3) October 20, 2023
