Maryville community excited to watch Serena Sundell’s WNBA journey begin

MARYVILLE, Mo. (KCTV) - Former Maryville High School star Serena Sundell will hear her name called at the 2025 WNBA Draft on Monday night. Sundell was one of just 15 players invited to the WNBA’s draft selection show, an honor reserved for the top prospects.

In four years at Kansas State, the former Maryville Spoofhound was nothing short of phenomenal. The 6-foot-2 guard ended her collegiate career as K-State’s all-time leader in assists, games played, and games started.

This past season, Sundell also led the nation in assists – while becoming just the third player since 1993-94 to record 500+ points, 250+ assists, and shoot better than 50% from the field in a single season.

“What really separates her, I think, is she just continually stays with it and never gives up on it,” said Quentin Albrecht, Sundell’s high school coach. “She has that ‘never say die’ attitude.”

No woman from Maryville, Missouri, has ever been picked in the WNBA Draft – and only eight other K-State women have ever heard their name called on draft night. Sundell is blazing her own path with plenty of local athletes looking up to her.

“It’s a great blueprint,” said Maryville High School Activities Director Matt Webb. “You have somebody that can say, ‘I’ve walked these halls. I’ve shot hoops at all hours of the day in these gyms. She has walked these very same steps.’”

Sundell is a projected first-round pick – with some mock drafts having her go in the Top 10. Back in Maryville, Sundell’s success is helping inspire the next generation of local athletes.

“It’s really exciting to see a kid that has the heart and mindset to take the skills they have and maximize them,” said Albrecht. “It really does show young kids that if you put your heart to it and you put your mind to it, anything can happen.”

The WNBA Draft is scheduled to begin Monday at 6:30 p.m.

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