Which WNBA Players Call North Carolina Home?
North Carolina has long been a cornerstone of women’s basketball. The state is home to powerhouse college programs like UNC and Duke, which have produced countless elite players. Its rich basketball culture also includes hosting tournaments that provide a platform for athletes to shine. Beyond the college game, North Carolina has made significant contributions to professional women’s basketball. The Charlotte Sting, one of the WNBA’s original teams, helped build a passionate fanbase and inspired future generations of players. Even after the Sting's departure, the state's influence on the sport has remained strong. North Carolina continues to produce exceptional basketball talent, shaping the game at every level. Many past and present women’s basketball players proudly call the state home. North Carolina remains an important part of the sport's history and future. Here’s an overview of past and present WNBA players who have roots in the Old North State.
Wendy Palmer
Wendy Palmer attended Person High School in Roxboro, North Carolina. She then played basketball at the University of Virginia. In 1997, she became a member of the first WNBA draft class. Selected by the Utah Starzz, she went on to play for several teams, including the Detroit Shock, the Orlando Miracle, the Connecticut Sun, the San Antonio Silver Stars, and the Seattle Storm. Palmer spent a decade in the league, retiring in 2007. Before her professional career, she represented the United States in a basketball competition in Taiwan, where she won a gold medal. She received several accolades in college. She was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team in 1993. She earned multiple honors, including three First-Team All-ACC selections, back-to-back ACC Player of the Year awards, and both All-American and Second-Team All-American distinctions in consecutive years. In the WNBA, Palmer’s achievements included winning the Most Improved Player award in 2004, making the All-WNBA Second Team in her debut season, and being named a WNBA All-Star in 2000. She held three coaching positions before becoming the head coach at UNC Greensboro in 2011.
Chasity Melvin
Chasity Melvin graduated from North Carolina State University in 1998. During her collegiate career, she was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team and earned First-Team All-ACC honors twice. She also received the ACC Rookie of the Year award and was recognized as a Kodak All-American. In the 1999 WNBA Draft, Melvin was selected as the 11th overall pick in the first round by the Cleveland Rockers. Her professional career included playing for the Washington Mystics, the Chicago Sky, and a return to Washington. She was named a WNBA All-Star in 2001 during her time with the Cleveland Rockers. NC State celebrated her legacy with a jersey retirement ceremony in 2014. In addition to Melvin’s time in the WNBA, she also played overseas. Melvin gained previous coaching experience with the Greensboro Swarm and Loyola University women’s basketball team. In 2020, she was appointed as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Mercury. Melvin’s deep love for basketball is reflected in her impactful work as a coach, where she continues to shape the future of the sport.
Tynesha Lewis
Tynesha Lewis, hailing from Edgecombe County, North Carolina, attended high school in her hometown before playing basketball at North Carolina State University from 1997 to 2001. During her sophomore year, she earned a spot on the Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team. In the 2001 WNBA Draft, she was selected by the Houston Comets. Throughout her professional career, she also played for the Charlotte Sting and the Minnesota Lynx before retiring in 2007. Since 2011, Lewis has coached at five different universities, showcasing her expertise and passion for the game. As the head coach of Elizabeth City State University’s women’s basketball team, she won the Division II Coach of the Year. Currently, Lewis serves as the head coach of women’s basketball at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. After Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the western portion of the state, Tynesha Lewis received an invitation from UNC Charlotte head coach Tomekia Reed to utilize Charlotte’s practice facility. Her willingness to prioritize her team’s well-being and success, even in the face of adversity, highlights her unwavering dedication to take the program to new heights. Through this, Lewis continues to embody the values of leadership, resilience, and a profound love for the game.
Tamera Young
Tamera Young grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina. She attended James Madison College, where she played basketball for four years. In 2005, she was named to the Coastal Athletic Association All-Freshman Team. Over her college career, she earned First-Team All-CAA honors three consecutive times and was awarded CAA Player of the Year. In 2008, she was selected as the eighth overall pick in the WNBA Draft by the Atlanta Dream. Young enjoyed an 11-year professional career before retiring in 2019. During her time as a player, she competed for the Chicago Sky, the Las Vegas Aces, and in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association. She holds the third spot in all-time games played for the Chicago Sky, ranks ninth in field goal percentage, and stands seventh in total rebounds in the franchise's history. Last April, she transitioned into coaching and was hired as an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky. Young’s connection to the Chicago Sky organization has only deepened with her transition into coaching. Young’s impact on the game continues to grow as she takes on her new role in the league.
Azurá Stevens
Azurá Stevens began her collegiate basketball journey at Duke University before transferring to the University of Connecticut. During her college career, she earned several honors, including First-Team All-ACC, AAC Newcomer of the Year, and AAC Tournament MVP. In 2018, she was selected as the sixth overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Stevens earned a spot on the WNBA All-Rookie Team in her debut season. Throughout her professional career, she has played for three teams: the Dallas Wings, the Chicago Sky, and the Los Angeles Sparks. In 2021, she became a WNBA Champion with the Chicago Sky. Recently, Stevens took part in the inaugural season of Unrivaled Basketball. Representing the Rose Basketball Club, she has delivered solid performances, averaging 11.7 points and seven rebounds per game. Competing in Unrivaled has allowed Stevens to refine her game, positioning her as a potential key player for the Sparks this season.
Elissa Cunane
Elissa Cunane, originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, attended high school in her hometown before continuing her basketball career at North Carolina State University. While at NC State, she earned recognition on the ACC All-Freshman Team. She also claimed back-to-back ACC Tournament MVP titles and was named First Team All-ACC three times. In 2022, Cunane was drafted by the Seattle Storm in the WNBA Draft. Later that season, she joined the Minnesota Lynx on a hardship contract. Currently, she plays overseas for BK Žabiny Brno in the Czech Women’s Basketball League. There, she is averaging 11.4 points per game while shooting 54.7% from the field and 70.4% from the free-throw line. Most recently, in early February, Cunane signed with the WNBA’s newest team, the Golden State Valkyries. Her signing represents an exciting addition to the Valkyries’ roster. Cunane is expected to play an essential role in helping the Valkyries establish a strong and cohesive team as they strive to make their mark in the league.
Elizabeth Kitley
Elizabeth Kitley played basketball at Virginia Tech and had a decorated college career. In 2020, she was named ACC Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team. During her time in college, she made First Team All-ACC four times, was on the ACC All-Defensive Team three times, and won ACC Player of the Year three times. Kitley holds the titles of Virginia Tech’s all-time leading scorer, top rebounder, and leader in blocks. In January, the university honored her by retiring her jersey. Drafted by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2025 WNBA Draft, she was sidelined last year due to an injury. After signing her contract last month, she is set to make her debut in the upcoming season. With an outstanding college career to her name, Kitley has already received high praise from the Aces coaching staff. Kitley is expected to be a valuable asset to the roster. Her height gives her an advantage, allowing her to score efficiently and contest in the paint. This season offers Kitley the chance to establish herself as a rising star in the league.
North Carolina’s contributions to women’s basketball have created a lasting impact, with its players and programs shaping the sport at every level. The state continues to be a breeding ground for rising basketball stars, with several standout players currently making waves in college. Its legacy, highlighted by the numerous accomplishments of its athletes, continues to grow as they thrive collegiately and professionally. This ongoing success underscores North Carolina’s role as a vital hub for developing basketball talent and inspiring the next generation. Reviving the Charlotte Sting would honor North Carolina’s basketball history and reinforce its role in professional women’s basketball. With the WNBA’s expansion and the increasing popularity of the league, the possibility of the Sting’s returning becomes more realistic. As the year unfolds, it will be exciting to see how current players from North Carolina continue to elevate their game.
