“Sending Healing Thoughts”: WNBA Community Devastated as Minnesota Star Shares Heartfelt Note for Injured Sister Katie Lou Samuelson

“This feels like a full circle moment. I am thrilled to be back with the Storm, reunited with Noey and so many players that I’ve played alongside over the years,” Katie Lou Samuelson expressed her feelings after signing a one-year contract with the Seattle Storm in February. She wanted to prove herself in the league and live up to her National Champion status, but fate once again took it all away from her, without her having set foot on the court.

UConn’s Katie Lou Samuelson had a strong resume. She was National Player of the Year, a Three-time All-American and AAC MOP award winner, a perfect selection as the fourth overall pick in the WNBA. But multiple injuries affecting her development hit her WNBA career hard as the star player of the franchise. In six seasons, she played for five different franchises before rejoining the Storm.

In her rookie season with the Chicago Sky in 2019, Samuelson suffered a hand injury, keeping her away for a significant period of time. In 2023, she took a pregnancy break and, upon her return to the league with the Indiana Fever, the sharpshooter struggled with a back injury that limited her performance and playing time. Now looking to make her mark with the Seattle franchise, the player is once again sidelined for a complete season due to ACL injury. It’s devastating, and Katie couldn’t hold back on it.

“It’s tough, mentally, more than anything,” Samuelson shared in an interview, as she suffered an injury in training. “You work so hard in the offseason, and then your body tells you to pause.” But the star has support from her franchise, teammates, and also from her family. Her elder sister, Karli Samuelson, who had closely seen Katie’s struggle and fightback, shared a heartfelt post for the Seattle forward.

“I love you Lou, I’ve seen how hard you’ve been working and how excited you were for this year.” She wrote in her social media post. “I know you’ll come back stronger from this bcuz that’s who you are. With you through it all,” Knowing Katie’s fighter character and showing support to her, the Minnesota Lynx guard posted. She also added a photo of them hugging each other, which showed the close bond they shared.

I love you Lou I’ve seen how hard you’ve been working and how excited you were for this year. I know you’ll come back stronger from this bcuz that’s who you are. With you through it all pic.twitter.com/P5uFWLbQ8y

— Karlie Samuelson (@ksam44) May 3, 2025

The Sisters played together at the Seattle franchise back in 2021, and Karli knew how important this chance was for Katie to make a name for herself and settle in the league. The 27-year-old forward had dealt with multiple injuries in her basketball career – broken foot, an ankle injury, and a back injury- but she came back stronger every time and fought for her place on the team.

Sadly, an ACL injury is a kind of deal-breaker for any athlete, widely impacting their game. It can lead to long-term complications, including osteoarthritis, knee instability, and potential damage to other knee structures. This not only limits the athletes’ in-game movement, but it can impact daily activities as well. Knowing the effect of the injury, fans have also shown their support for Katie.

Support pours in for Katie Lou Samuelson

Katie Lou Samuelson’s WNBA career has been a testament to resilience, but it has also been marked by several injury setbacks that have tested her determination. After the recent ACL injury, it could be a major setback to her basketball career. Fans, though, show their support for the forward, “So sad. Was rooting for her to have a great year.” Wrote Elle, who, like most of the UConn fans, wanted to see their star shine on the WNBA platform.

One fan, who could be following her career, knew how it could be devastating for the Seattle star to be away from action once again. “Hate this for her!!!! Sending many prayers and good vibes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!” he wrote, wishing Katie a speedy recovery.

Hate this for her!!!! Sending many prayers and good vibes for a successful surgery and speedy recovery!

— Manifester21 (@manifester21) May 4, 2025

Gabriella raised the question over practices, adding Amoore’s example also in her comment. She wrote, “Whyyyyyy is everyone tearing their ACLs? Georgia Amoore, Katie Lou Samuelson. I mean, what the hell is going on with these practices!?” The Mystics will also be without Amoore’s services after she got injured in a practice session.

Whyyyyyy is everyone tearing their ACLs? Georgia Amoore, Katie Lou Samuelson. I mean, what the hell is going on at these practices!?!

— Gabrielle (@gabri__elle) May 3, 2025

Within the Seattle franchise, there is one more player on the injury list – Jordan Horston. The Seattle star, Horston, also suffered an ACL injury in February while playing Athletes Unlimited (AU) league. Zack, looking for a bright season for Seattle, now put ‘suddenly young team’ down in the pecking order. “With the injury to Jordan Horston, and now Katie Lou Samuelson as well, I’m going to have to move the Storm down in my power rankings.” Zack wrote in his post.

While the fans were excited to see her development continue, the injury brought that momentum to a halt. Many franchises like the Indiana Fever and the Seattle Storm also showed their support. “Losing Katie Lou was a big blow,” said head coach Noelle Quinn. “She brings energy, intelligence, and spacing. It’s not easy to replace that.” Despite being sidelined, Samuelson could be seen cheering her new team and working on her recovery at the same time.

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