Seattle Storm Release Former Indiana Star Mackenzie Holmes After Brief WNBA Stint
The Seattle Storm have released forward Mackenzie Holmes, marking an abrupt end to her brief tenure with the team. Holmes, a standout at Indiana University, had recently signed with the Storm after being selected 26th overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She missed the entire 2024 season due to knee surgery but had been expected to join the team for the 2025 training camp.
Holmes made her professional debut with the Storm in a preseason game, recording nine points and eight rebounds. Despite this promising performance, the team decided to release her as they finalized their roster for the upcoming season.
During her collegiate career at Indiana, Holmes established herself as one of the program’s most decorated players. She became Indiana’s all-time leading scorer with 2,530 points and set records in field goals made (1,043), field goal percentage (63.9%), and career wins (123). Holmes was a multiple-time All-American and earned the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award in 2023.
While recovering from knee surgery, Holmes served as a graduate manager for the Indiana women’s basketball team during the 2024-25 season, assisting with coaching and team operations.
The Storm’s decision to release Holmes reflects the competitive nature of WNBA roster spots, especially for players returning from injury. As a free agent, Holmes will now look for opportunities with other teams in the league.
Despite this setback, Holmes’s collegiate achievements and brief professional experience suggest she has the potential to contribute at the WNBA level. Her journey underscores the challenges athletes face transitioning from college to professional sports, particularly when dealing with injuries.
