On August 26, the Dallas Wings welcomed Serena Sundell, the 6’1” guard from Kansas State, to their roster. This signing marks a fresh start for both the Wings and Sundell, offering the rookie her first real chance to make an impact in the WNBA. She will debut against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, stepping straight into the action—a prime opportunity to showcase her skills and prove what she brings to the team. Sundell’s earlier release from the Seattle Storm makes this opportunity even more significant, as she now has a second chance to prove herself at the professional level.
Next Chapter: Waived Rookie Finds New Life in WNBA
The Legacy at the Kansas State Wildcats
Serena spent four years with the Kansas State Wildcats. With the records she holds, she is an impressive player. Sundell averaged 12.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, shooting 50.1% from the field as a senior. She also earned First Team All-Big 12 honors twice. Her ability to contribute as both a scorer and rebounder made her stand out in the Big 12.
Over her four seasons at Kansas State, Serena put up standout numbers, totaling 1,771 points, 138 offensive rebounds, and 811 assists, while showing remarkable resilience despite 432 turnovers. Her all-around performance and versatility clearly caught the Dallas Wings’ attention.
The Hardship Contract Context
What does a hardship contract mean? In the WNBA, this is a temporary player agreement granted when a team’s active roster falls below the league’s minimum due to injuries, illness, or other absences. A team is expected to have at least ten game-ready players. With this contract, a team can maintain its current roster and sign additional players.
Sundell is not the first player on the Dallas Wings to sign this type of contract; others like Grace Berger and Kaila Charles have done so previously. A season-ending ACL injury to JJ Quinerly created an opportunity for Sundell to join under a hardship contract. She now has a chance to prove herself on the court. While the contract comes with uncertainty, it’s a valuable opportunity for a player like Serena, and such immediate playing time for a waived rookie is relatively rare in the WNBA.
A new season for the Wings
The Dallas Wings are struggling with injuries and roster changes. Players like Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale have performed well, but the team remains out of playoff contention. With Serena Sundell on the roster, her performance over the next week could significantly impact the team’s decisions regarding her future—whether that means a permanent contract or other options.
For Sundell, this is more than just a contract—it’s a second chance to prove herself at the highest level. After being waived, she’s determined to show that she belongs in the WNBA. If Sundell seizes this opportunity, she could earn a full contract and establish herself as a key rotation player. Coaches and fans alike will be watching closely to see how her skills translate to the professional game.
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