The Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries are set to compete in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday, October 17. This marks the Valkyries' first Finals appearance since their introduction to the league in 2023, making them the fastest expansion team to reach this milestone. The Dream, meanwhile, is making its first Finals appearance in 13 years, aiming for its first championship title.
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Many players in this year's Finals gained recognition during their college careers. Below is a breakdown of where each player competed in college, noting their last attended program before entering the WNBA.
**Atlanta Dream**
- Angel Reese, LSU (2022-24)
- Jordin Canada, UCLA (2014-18)
- Rhyne Howard, Kentucky (2018-22)
- Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina (2023-24)
- Allisha Gray, South Carolina (2013-17)
- Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Maryland (2013-17)
- Brionna Jones, Maryland (2013-17)
- Naz Hillmon, Michigan (2018-22)
- DeWanna Bonner, Auburn (2005-09)
- Indya Nivar, North Carolina (2023-26)
- Madina Okot, South Carolina (2025-26)
**Golden State Valkyries**
- Gabby Williams, UConn (2014-18)
- Kaitlyn Chen, UConn (2021-25)
- Tiffany Hayes, UConn (2008-12)
- Kiah Stokes, UConn (2011-15)
- Veronica Burton, Northwestern (2018-22)
- Kalia Charles, Maryland (2016-20)
- Laeticia Amihere, South Carolina (2019-23)
- Kayla Thornton, UTEP (2010-14)
- Miela Sowah, Duke (2018-22)
- Ashten Prechtel, Stanford (2019-23)
**Player Highlights**
- **Angel Reese**: Known for her impactful college career at Maryland and LSU, she was named Most Outstanding Player in the national championship game in 2023. Reese was also recognized as the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year.
- **Jordin Canada**: A strong performer at UCLA, Canada gained accolades as both the Pac-12 Freshman of the Year and a two-time Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year.
- **Rhyne Howard**: The current WNBA record holder for the most three-pointers in a season, Howard was a two-time SEC Player of the Year at Kentucky.
- **Te-Hina Paopao**: A key player for South Carolina during their championship season, Paopao also holds notable tournament records for three-point shooting.
- **Allisha Gray**: Instrumental in leading South Carolina to its first national championship and recognized for her defensive prowess during the NCAA tournaments.
- **Brionna Jones**: A dominant presence at Maryland, Jones led the nation in field goal percentage during two seasons.
- **Naz Hillmon**: Hallmarked as Michigan's first All-American, Hillmon finished her college career with numerous records, including points and rebounds milestones.
- **DeWanna Bonner**: An SEC Player of the Year in 2009, she left Auburn as a prolific scorer and rebounder.
- **Gabby Williams**: Achieved significant success at UConn, contributing to multiple national championships.
- **Veronica Burton**: Known for her defensive skills, Burton led the Big Ten in steals and earned all-conference honors.
- **Kaila Charles**: Recognized for her performance at Maryland, she is one of the few players to rank among the top in both scoring and rebounding.