Caitlin Clark? Angel Reese? WNBA's most intriguing rookie might surprise you

For years, the WNBA was an afterthought when it came to professional sports. While it was touted for great play and excellent athletes, the attention it received paled in comparison to other leagues. Now, however, that’s starting to change.

Pretty much anybody who follows basketball knows about Caitlin Clark, her historic run in college and how that led to her being the first pick in the WNBA draft. She was far from the only familiar name on the board though, as Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Cameron Brink also entered the league after stellar college careers.

While these are household names for many, there’s another newcomer to the WNBA most people probably don’t know: Julie Vanloo. Her story is unique for a couple of reasons. First, she wasn’t even drafted. And second, she’s 31 years old.

Vanloo’s path to the WNBA has been an interesting one. The point guard has played for leagues in nine countries including France, Spain, Russia and Australia. She also played for her native Belgium’s national team and, in 2023, helped lead the squad to its first FIBA Women’s Eurobasket championship. This past February, when Team USA narrowly defeated Belgium 81-79, Vanloo had a team-high 19 points.

It was that game that seemed to be the catalyst for Vanloo now playing in the nation’s capital. Shortly afterward, she was invited to the Washington Mystics’ training camp. The team has a history with Belgian players. In 2013, they drafted Emma Meesseman, who ended up helping the team win its first and only championship in 2019. She was named Finals MVP.

With Brittney Sykes already ensconced at the point guard spot, the Mystics were hoping Vanloo could provide solid minutes off the bench. What they may not have expected, however, is how prepared she was to step in and make meaningful contributions immediately. Teammate Karlie Samuelson called her a “veteran rookie,” and Vanloo wholeheartedly agreed.

“That’s exactly how I feel,” she told Emma Baccellieri of Sports Illustrated. “I’m new to the league, but I carry a bag with a lot of experience… I’ve been watching this league for a long time, I’ve been watching players, I’ve been following like a fan. And now I’m playing in it. I’ve been watching, so I’d be ready, and I was so ready to come here.”

When Sykes had to miss time with an ankle injury, Vanloo filled in admirably. An adept passer, she’s currently averaging 6.5 assists per game – which is fourth-best in the league – but in only about 25 minutes per contest. Vanloo also has scoring prowess, and this three-pointer from nearly half-court was actually her first career bucket in the WNBA.

Vanloo isn’t taking her shot in the WNBA for granted. Before every game, she tells herself to enjoy where she is. 

“Just play your game, have fun, smile… I’m trying to live in the moment,” she said. She’s also thankful that she made it at all, saying:

“I never thought that I would get even one minute in the WNBA If you’d asked me just a couple of years ago, I would have said, ‘Yes, it’s a dream, but I don’t know if that’s still possible.’ I just never gave up.”