Kansas State’s assist queen cut by Storm. What happened?

Serena Sundell’s WNBA debut will have to wait.

The Seattle Storm waived the former Kansas State point guard just days before their season opener, the team announced this week.

The Seattle Storm have waived Brianna Fraser, Mackenzie Holmes, and Serena Sundell.

📰 https://t.co/Yp6zdE41Ch pic.twitter.com/LwbgzYbZlE
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) May 12, 2025

Sundell, the 26th overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, played in one preseason game, finishing with one point, two rebounds, an assist and a steal in 19 minutes.

The 6-foot-1 guard was battling for a backup role behind veteran Skylar Diggins-Smith, competing primarily with 2024 second-round pick Nika Muhl.

Seattle’s backcourt depth made roster spots scarce, and Sundell was one of several players let go during final cuts. The Storm also waived 2024 third-rounders Jordan Hobbs and Madison Conner, along with Mackenzie Holmes and Brianna Fraser.

Seattle Storm announced they have waived Serena Sundell. The 6'1" guard was selected 26th overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft

The team has also waived 6'3" forwards Mackenzie Holmes (26th overall in 2024) and Brianna Fraser (undrafted in 2019) pic.twitter.com/pkeT9uvWNK
— AllThingsWNBA (@AllThingsWNBA) May 12, 2025

A two-time All-Big 12 First Team selection and Associated Press All-America honorable mention, Sundell helped lead Kansas State to a Sweet Sixteen berth this past season. She averaged 14.1 points, 7.2 assists (tops in the nation), and 4.4 rebounds per game as a senior.

In April, she became just the ninth player in Kansas State history to be drafted into the WNBA.

The Storm’s decision to part ways with Sundell drew swift reaction from K-State fans on social media, many of whom felt she didn’t get a fair shot to prove herself in Seattle. Her older brother, Seattle Seahawks center Jalen Sundell, had shared his excitement about their reunion in the Pacific Northwest following the draft.

According to her K-State bio, Sundell leaves Manhattan as one of the program’s most decorated players. She holds school records for career starts (139) and games played (139), ranks second in total minutes (4,574), and sits sixth on the Wildcats’ all-time scoring list with 1,771 points.

Kansas State wrapped up the 2024–25 season with a 28–8 overall record and a 13–5 mark in Big 12 play, finishing tied for fourth. The Wildcats went 17–1 at home.

Sundell is now expected to explore other opportunities as she looks to keep her WNBA dreams alive.