Former Purdue Star Katie Douglas Leaves Indiana Fever
Like Danny Granger and Antoine Bethea before her, another standout Indianapolis athlete is moving on from this sports haven. This time it’s a local woman: Indy-born Purdue University graduate Katie Douglas.
First, Douglas’s accolades: The left-handed sharp shooter ranks No. 5 on the WNBA’s list of all-time leaders for both steals and three-point shots made. Next, her recent disappointments: Beset by injuries, she spent most of the 2013 season on the sidelines for the 2012 world champions, having also suffered pains that hurt her output in that championship run. (That winning team even visited the White House.)
As a free agent, Douglas conducted talks with the Fever, an organization for which she has played—at home—for five seasons, and other teams. Ultimately, she chose to sign with the Connecticut Sun, the team that drafted her 14 league seasons ago.
» More: Fever plan Diversity Night–themed game during Indy Pride week.
“I am happy she won a championship while she was with us,” Fever general manager Kelly Krauskopf said via the team’s Twitter account. “Katie has been an integral part of the franchise and I wish her well. I am happy for her and I hope she continues to get better. I thanked her for all that she had done for us.” A post on the Fever website revealed that Douglas called Krauskopf Monday morning to disclose her decision.
The response from Fever leaders was swift, with the team’s most visible star, Tamika Catchings; head coach Lin Dunn; and Krauskopf all weighing in on the matter:
Last (wo)man standing n Indy. Good luck in CT KT! Love my sistas! @tksb15 ebony1632 : ( #SadDay… https://t.co/y2rzaeNFJx
— Tamika Catchings (@Catchin24) March 24, 2014
@WNBA We understand Katies’s decision today. We wish Douglas all the best!…. THANKYOU for all you gave our franchise! GOFEVER!
— Lin Dunn (@coachlindunn) March 24, 2014
Fever GM Kelly Krauskopf: “I am happy for her and I hope she continues to get better. I thanked her for all that she had done for us…” 1/2
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) March 24, 2014
Krauskopf: “I am happy she won a championship while she was with us. Katie has been an integral part of the franchise and I wish her well.”
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) March 24, 2014
How will you remember Katie Douglas?
