Seattle Storm rookie Nika Muhl shared her thoughts for the first time after tearing her left ACL during her debut game overseas. The 23-year-old guard remained upbeat, stating she would be back.
In the third quarter of her first game with Turkish team Besiktas, facing Fenerbahce Opet in the FIBA Women’s Super Cup, Muhl grabbed a loose ball but collapsed to the floor, clutching her left knee in pain. She was eventually stretchered off the court.
The team later confirmed that Muhl had torn her ACL.
“Anyone that knows me knows I work my a** off all the time. This time isn’t gonna be any different,” Nika Muhl said in a post on Instagram.
“I appreciate all the love and support so much – yall really make this easier for my heart. I am grateful for all the people around me that are true testaments of what belief and perseverance can achieve after being denied hooping.”
According to UC Health, ACL recovery typically takes eight to nine months.
“This is just another opportunity for me to compete, this time against myself. Not to be cocky, but that’s an easy W,” Muhl said.
Before her injury, Muhl had a productive game, with her scoring 11 points, nine assists, three rebounds and two steals.
Muhl, who had an impressive career at UConn, was drafted 14th overall in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft.
She didn’t get significant minutes with the Storm, but in the team’s 2024 regular-season finale, she recorded her first and only field goal, scoring a career-high two points, along with career highs in assists (three), rebounds (two), minutes played (14) and field goal attempts (five).
Seattle Storm, Paige Bueckers wish Nika Muhl a speedy recovery
After news of her injury surfaced, Muhl received well-wishes from her former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers and her WNBA team, the Seattle Storm.
Bueckers, who shared the backcourt with Muhl in college, expressed her confidence in Muhl’s resilience, saying:
“Nothing my twin can’t overcome. Gonna destroy this comeback journey! God speed🙏🏼🫶🏼.”
Meanwhile, the Storm posted a simple get well soon message, saying:
“Get well soon, Nika! 💚💛.”
Soon after the team’s response to Muhl’s injury, the Storm announced she had been named the League Fits Rookie of the Year, an award given to the WNBA rookie with the best style.
“Best dressed rookie in the W and it’s not close 🕶️,” it said.
