Kayla Renae McBride is a standout name in women’s professional basketball, celebrated for her sharpshooting skills and competitive spirit.
Born on June 25, 1992, in Erie, Pennsylvania, she has risen from a small-town athlete to a four-time WNBA All-Star and a key player for the Minnesota Lynx.
Her journey began at Villa Maria Academy, where she showcased her talent early on, eventually leading her to the University of Notre Dame.
Drafted third overall by the San Antonio Stars in the 2014 WNBA Draft, McBride has since built an impressive career, blending resilience, skill, and leadership both in the WNBA and internationally.
Parents
Kayla is the eldest child of LaMont and LuAnn McBride, a couple whose influence has been instrumental in her development as both an athlete and a person.
LaMont McBride introduced Kayla to basketball at the tender age of four, immersing her in the sport through his work as a high school referee and summer camp organizer. McBride introduced Kayla to basketball at the tender age of four, immersing her in the sport through his work as a high school referee and summer camp organizer.
He brought her to Burton Park in Erie, where she honed her skills against older, tougher competition—often boys—building the foundation for her signature jump shot and relentlessness.
LuAnn McBride, Kayla’s mother, provided a complementary pillar of support, offering emotional grounding and stability.
Kayla credits her mother with teaching her how to stay humble and committed, qualities that have kept her level-headed amid fame and success.
Career
At Villa Maria Academy, McBride was a three-year starter, leading her team to a remarkable 106-15 record and two Pennsylvania Class AA state titles (2009, 2010).
Her high school success earned her a spot in the 2010 McDonald’s All-American Game, signaling her arrival as a top prospect.
At Notre Dame, McBride flourished, averaging 14.1 points per game across 133 games and finishing fifth in program history with 1,876 career points.
She led the Fighting Irish to four consecutive Final Fours and was named ACC Player of the Year in 2014, the same year she graduated with a marketing degree from the Mendoza College of Business.
Her professional career took off when the San Antonio Stars selected her third overall in the 2014 WNBA Draft.
In her rookie season, she averaged 13.0 points per game, earning All-Rookie Team honors.
Over the years, McBride evolved into one of the league’s premier shooters, joining the Minnesota Lynx in 2021 after stints with the Stars and the Las Vegas Aces.
With the Lynx, she’s reached new heights, including winning the 2024 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup and earning her fourth All-Star nod in the same year.
She ranks among the WNBA’s top ten in career three-pointers made, with over 600 in just 326 games—an elite mark of efficiency.
Internationally, McBride has excelled with Fenerbahçe in Turkey, securing three EuroLeague titles and the 2024 Final Four MVP award.
