Stefanie Dolson

Stefanie Dolson
Dolson with the Washington Mystics in 2024
No. 31 – Washington Mystics
PositionCenter
LeagueWNBA
Personal information
Born (1992-01-08) January 8, 1992 (age 32)
Port Jervis, New York, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
Listed weight235 lb (107 kg)
Career information
High schoolMinisink Valley
(Slate Hill, New York)
CollegeUConn (2010–2014)
WNBA draft2014: 1st round, 6th overall pick
Selected by the Washington Mystics
Playing career2014–present
Career history
2014–2016Washington Mystics
2014–2015WBC Spartak Moscow Region
2015–2016Edirne Belediyesi Edirnespor BK [tr][1]
2016Sichuan Whale
2017–2021Chicago Sky
2017–2018Dike Basket Napoli [it]
2018–2019Henan Phoenix
2019–2020Hebei Win Power
2022–2023Sopron Basket
2022–2023New York Liberty
2023–2024ASVEL Féminin
2024–presentWashington Mystics
2025–presentLaces BC
Career highlights and awards
Stats at WNBA.com
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Women's 3x3 basketball
Representing  United States
Olympic Games
Gold medal – first place 2020 Tokyo Team

Stefanie Dolson (born January 8, 1992) is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).[2] She was drafted sixth overall in the 2014 WNBA draft.[3] Dolson played center for the UConn women's basketball team and won back-to-back national championships in 2013 and 2014. She won a gold medal in 3x3 basketball at the 2020 Summer Olympics.[4][5]

Early life

Dolson played volleyball and basketball at Minisink Valley High School in Slate Hill, New York[6] and was a member of the National Honor Society. During her junior year she averaged 18.9 points, 16.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 6.2 blocks. As a senior, she averaged 22.8 points, 17.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 5.2 blocks.

Dolson led Minisink Valley High School to four straight New York State Public High School Athletic Association Section 9 championship game appearances and finished her career at Minisink Valley with 1,951 points and 1,607 rebounds.[6] She was a McDonald's High School All-American and participated in the All-Star game where she had 12 points and eight rebounds in the McDonald's All-American Game.[7]

College career

Freshman year

As a freshman for UConn in 2010–11, Dolson averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game on the season. On March 8, Dolson recorded 24 points and 9 rebounds in a 73–64 win over Notre Dame at the Big East tournament title game. She was named to the BIG EAST All-Tournament Team. Dolson was subsequently named to the Big East Rookie Team alongside teammate Bria Hartley.[8]

Sophomore year

Dolson completed her sophomore season averaging 23.9 minutes, 10.4 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. Dolson started her second year in strong form, however, her output slowed, and her scoring average dropped below ten points for her last eighteen regular season games. At the Final Four, Dolson came back strong, she scored 20 points in the overtime loss to Notre Dame.

Junior year

In her junior season, Dolson was named to the All-BIG EAST First Team after leading the Huskies in rebounding (7.1) and finishing third on the team in scoring (13.6). She posted career-high four double-doubles. Dolson made her third-straight All-BIG EAST Tournament team after posting a double-double 18-points and 14 rebounds effort in the 61–59 loss to Notre Dame in the BIG EAST Championship Final. She helped the Huskies win the 2013 NCAA championship and subsequently being named to the All-Final Four team.

Senior year

Stefanie Dolson holding the championship trophy at the 2014 UConn men and women's national championship parade

Dolson was named the National Defensive Player of the Year and the league's Defensive Player and 2.3 blocks per game, and recorded the third triple-double in school history with 24 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists against Oregon. Dolson recorded 371 rebounds, the second most rebounds in school history. Her 93 blocks was the third most in a single season history. She helped lead her team to an undefeated 40–0 season and the 2014 National Championship, was named to the 2014 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament team, and was later inducted into the Huskies of Honor on senior night. Dolson led UConn to a 144–11 record over her four-year career, which included four Final Four appearances and back to back National Championships.[6] She finished her career ranking 12th in points (1,797), fourth in field goal percentage (.588), fourth in rebounds (1,101), and fourth in blocks (253).[8]

Professional career

WNBA

Washington Mystics (2014–17)

Stefanie Dolson at the 2015 All-Star game

Dolson was drafted sixth overall in the 2014 WNBA draft by Washington Mystics.[9] UConn teammate Bria Hartley was drafted right after her by the Seattle Storm and thereafter traded to the Mystics.[10] On June 1, 2014, in a triple-overtime victory against the Los Angeles Sparks, the UConn duo of Dolson and Hartley combined for 34 points coming off the bench and Dolson recorded her first career double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.[11] In her first career start on August 14, 2014, Dolson had her second career double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds in a regular season loss to the Chicago Sky.[12] The Mystics finished third place in the Eastern Conference but were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Fever.

In the 2015 WNBA season opener against the Connecticut Sun, Dolson had a stand out dominating performance scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds in a winning effort. Later on in the season, she was selected into the 2015 WNBA All-Star Game as a reserve. Throughout the season, Dolson averaged career-highs in scoring and rebounding. The Mystics would once again reach the playoffs, with the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, but were yet again a first round exit, losing to the New York Liberty in three games. In the 2016 season, Dolson continued to flourish as a player in the Mystics' starting lineup. In a win against the New York Liberty, she scored a career-high 23 points. During that game, she had also achieved career-highs in field goals made and three-pointers made[13] However, the Mystics would miss the playoffs with a disappointing 13–21 record.

Chicago Sky (2017–2021)

Dolson with the Chicago Sky in 2019

After three seasons with the Mystics, Dolson was traded to the Chicago Sky along with teammate Kahleah Copper, and the second overall pick in the 2017 WNBA draft, for Elena Delle Donne.[14]

On May 14, 2017, in her debut with the Sky, Dolson scored 9 points along with 2 rebounds in a 70–61 loss to the Minnesota Lynx.[15] On May 21, 2017, Dolson tied her career-high of 23 points along with 8 rebounds and a new career-high of 5 blocks in a 75–71 victory over the Atlanta Dream.[16][17] Two months later, on July 28, 2017, Dolson scored a new career-high of 29 points in an 86–80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury.[18] By the end of the season, Dolson averaged new career-highs in scoring and rebounding with 14.5 ppg and 5.8 rpg, but the Sky finished 12-22 and were eliminated from playoff contention.

In February 2018, Dolson re-signed with the Sky to a multi-year deal in free agency.[19] In 2018, the Sky missed out on the playoffs as they finished with a 13–21 record.

In February 2020, Dolson re-signed with the Sky on a new two-year deal.[20] In the 2021 WNBA season, Dolson and the Chicago Sky won their first WNBA championship.[21]

New York Liberty (2022–2023)

On February 3, 2022, Dolson signed a two-year guaranteed deal with the New York Liberty.[22] In the 2022 WNBA season, the Liberty made it to the playoffs, where they lost in the first round, 1–2, to the Sky. Dolson started in all 36 regular-season and 3 playoff games for the team.[23]

For the 2023 WNBA season, the Liberty acquired several high-profile frontcourt players, such as Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones. Coupled with an ankle injury, this significantly limited Dolson's role and playing time throughout the season.[24] Dolson reached the WNBA Finals for the second time in her career with the Liberty, but they lost the series 1–3 to the Las Vegas Aces.[25]

Second stint with the Washington Mystics (2024–present)

On February 14, 2024, Dolson signed a two-year contract with the Washington Mystics, returning to the team 10 years after being drafted.[26] With the Mystics, Dolson leaned even more into her three-point shooting skills, playing in a stretch four or stretch five role.[27] Her shooting proficiency earned her a spot in the 2024 All-Star Weekend Three-Point Contest.[28] On August 17, 2024, in an 83–99 loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Dolson tied a WNBA record for the most made three-pointers without a miss with six.[29]

Overseas

In the 2014-15 WNBA off-season, Dolson played in Russia for WBC Spartak Moscow Region. In the 2015-16 WNBA off-season, Dolson played in Turkey for Edirne Belediyesi Edirnespor BK [tr].[1] In the 2016-17 WNBA off-season, Dolson briefly played in China for the Sichuan Whale.[30] In 2017, Dolson signed with Dike Basket Napoli [it] of the Italian League for the 2017-18 WNBA off-season.[31] In October 2018, Dolson signed with the Henan Phoenix of the Chinese League for the 2018-19 off-season.[32]

Unrivaled

On November 12, 2024, it was announced that Dolson would appear and play in the inaugural 2025 season of Unrivaled, the women's 3x3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.[33]

National team career

Dolson was named to the USA Basketball U18 team. The USA team was one of eight teams from North, South and Central America, along with the Caribbean, invited to participate in the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Women, held at the U.S. Olympic Training Center, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The 2010 USA Basketball U18 National Team that compiled a perfect 5–0, earned the 2010 FIBA Americas Championship gold medal and qualified the US for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship.[7]

Dolson was named to the USA Basketball U19 team. The 2011 USA Basketball U19 World Championship Team that posted an 8–1 record and captured the gold medal in Valdivia, Chile.

In 2021, Dolson was part of the USA team that won the first Olympic gold medal in 3x3 basketball.[34] They defeated the Russian Olympic Committee in the gold medal game.[5]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game
 TO  Turnovers per game  FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 Bold  Career best ° League leader
† Denotes season(s) in which Dolson won a WNBA championship
* Denotes season(s) in which Dolson won an NCAA Championship

WNBA

Regular season

Stats current through end of 2024 season

WNBA regular season statistics[35]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2014 Washington 34 1 18.4 .492 .000 .811 4.4 1.2 0.4 1.1 1.7 6.0
2015 Washington 34 33 24.7 .495 .476 .871 5.6 1.6 0.5 1.1 1.9 10.6
2016 Washington 34 31 22.5 .482 .300 .843 4.7 1.1 0.4 0.9 1.1 9.3
2017 Chicago 33 33 29.3 .561 .437 .870 5.8 2.6 0.5 1.3 2.5 14.5
2018 Chicago 27 25 27.6 .467 .346 .938 4.6 3.0 0.6 0.9 1.8 9.7
2019 Chicago 34 34 25.0 .519 .361 .898 5.6 2.2 0.6 1.0 1.9 9.3
2020 Chicago 15 8 18.2 .486 .375 .737 3.5 1.7 0.4 0.9 1.0 6.3
2021† Chicago 24 15 20.0 .486 .404 .947 3.5 1.3 0.3 0.8 1.3 7.5
2022 New York 36 36 22.9 .493 .394 .905 4.8 1.8 0.4 0.8 1.6 8.1
2023 New York 23 0 11.9 .515 .462 .786 2.0 1.2 0.0 0.3 0.9 4.0
2024 Washington 39 39 25.9 .475 .465 .786 4.9 2.6 0.5 0.5 1.7 9.5
Career 11 years, 3 teams 333 255 23.0 .500 .408 .859 4.7 1.9 0.4 0.9 1.6 8.9
All-Star 2 0 14.4 .400 .333 — 3.5 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 4.5

Playoffs

WNBA playoff statistics
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2014 Washington 2 0 18.8 .300 — 1.000 1.5 0.5 0.0 1.0 2.5 5.0
2015 Washington 3 3 22.0 .480 .000 .750 5.3 1.0 0.3 1.3 0.3 9.0
2019 Chicago 2 2 28.0 .600 .571 1.000 7.0 3.0 0.5 1.0 1.0 14.5
2020 Chicago 1 0 16.0 .250 .000 — 2.0 3.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 2.0
2021† Chicago 10 0 16.8 .512 .294 1.000 2.8 1.1 0.2 0.7 1.1 4.9
2022 New York 3 3 26.3 .444 .600 — 3.7 2.7 0.0 1.0 0.3 6.3
2023 New York 10 0 4.6 .500 .200 .000 0.5 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.3 1.3
Career 7 years, 3 teams 31 8 15.1 .485 .342 .667 2.5 1.1 0.1 0.6 0.7 4.8

College

NCAA statistics[36]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2010–11 Connecticut 38 36 24.2 .616 .000 .816 6.1 1.6 0.5 1.2 2.1 10.2
2011–12 Connecticut 38 38 23.9 .586 .000 .810 6.0 1.7 0.8 1.5 2.4 10.4
2012–13* Connecticut 38 37 26.8 .593 .421 .796 7.1 3.1 1.1 1.5 2.3 13.6
2013–14* Connecticut 40 40 32.3 .564 .296 .792 9.3 3.4 1.0 2.3 2.6 12.5
Career 154 151 26.9 .588 .327 .802 7.2 2.5 0.9 1.6 2.3 11.7

Personal life

Dolson is a descendant of the 17th century Minisink, NY-area settler and beaver-pelt trader James Dolson, for whom a major commercial roadway is now named; he had five sons, one of whom died in the American Revolution. The daughter of Steve and Kristal Dolson, Stefanie has two older sisters Ashley and Courtney and one younger brother Jake.[7]

In 2016, Dolson publicly came out as a member of the LGBTQ community. She spoke out on her sexuality in an interview with ESPN Magazine by saying: "Not everyone in the WNBA needs to be out, but I feel called to lead an authentic life in the open. I know who I am and I don't care if people judge me. I am 6-5, and I dye my hair purple and experiment a lot with fashion. My motto is: If they're going to stare, they might as well stare at something fun. There are a lot of girls who struggle being who they are. We need people who are out so that those girls know it's OK to be themselves, regardless of stereotypes. By being open, I give them someone to look up to, and however they identify, I can inspire them to support equality and LGBT issues."[37]

In 2019, Dolson played on the "Away" roster during the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Bojangles' Coliseum in Charlotte, North Carolina.[38]

Awards and honors

  • Two-Time BIG EAST Freshman of the Week
  • 2010–11 BIG EAST All–Rookie Team
  • 2010–11 BIG EAST All–Tournament Team
  • 2011–12 Wooden Award Preseason Top–30
  • 2011–12 Preseason Wade Watch List
  • 2011–12 Preseason All–BIG EAST Honorable Mention
  • 2011–12 Preseason Naismith Award Watch List
  • 2011–12 BIG EAST All–Tournament Team
  • 2011–12 All–BIG EAST Honorable Mention
  • 2011–12 NCAA All–Kingston Regional Team
  • 2012–13 Wooden Award Preseason Top–30
  • 2012–13 Naismith Award Preseason Watch List
  • 2012–13 BIG EAST All–Tournament Team
  • 2012–13 All–BIG EAST First Team
  • 2012–13 Associated Press All–America Third Team
  • 2012–13 USBWA All–America Team
  • 2012–13 WBCA/State Farm All–America Team
  • 2013–14 Senior Class Award
  • 2013–14 AAC Defensive Player of the Year
  • 2013-14 WBCA National Defensive Player of the Year [39]

References

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  2. ^ "Player Bio - Stefanie Dolson". Chicago Sky. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  3. ^ P, Nate (April 14, 2014). "Round 1, Pick 6: Mystics select Stefanie Dolson". Swish Appeal. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved December 21, 2021.
  4. ^ "Sky's Stefanie Dolson Helps USA Win Gold in 3×3 Olympics Debut". NBC Chicago. July 28, 2021. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Costabile, Annie (July 28, 2021). "Sky's Stefanie Dolson helps USA make Olympic basketball history". Chicago Sun Times. Archived from the original on July 29, 2021. Retrieved July 29, 2021.
  6. ^ a b c nancy.kriz (July 23, 2021). "Tokyo Olympics includes Class of 2010 alumnus Stefanie Dolson as a member of the USA 3x3 women's basketball team". Minisink Valley Central School District. Retrieved May 14, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c "Stefanie Dolson". USA Basketball. Archived from the original on April 19, 2014. Retrieved April 20, 2014.
  8. ^ a b "Stefanie Dolson". uconnhuskies.com. Retrieved June 2, 2014.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ P, Nate (April 14, 2014). "Round 1, Pick 6: Mystics select Stefanie Dolson". Swish Appeal. Archived from the original on November 16, 2021. Retrieved November 16, 2021.
  10. ^ Altavilla, John (April 14, 2014). "Dolson, Hartley To Play Together For Mystics". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on April 18, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2014.
  11. ^ Altavilla, John (July 24, 2014). "Stef Dolson, Bria Hartley Continue Smooth Transition To WNBA". Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on October 2, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
  12. ^ "Washington Mystics fall to Chicago Sky, fail to clinch WNBA playoff berth". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved February 2, 2017.
  13. ^ "Dolson scores career-high 23 as Mystics top Liberty". recordonline.com.[dead link‍]
  14. ^ "ELENA DELLE DONNE TO MYSTICS: LATEST TRADE DETAILS, COMMENTS AND REACTION". Bleacher Report. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  15. ^ "Stefanie Dolson Game Log". WNBA.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  16. ^ "McCamish Pavilion Sunday, May 21, 2017". WNBA.com. Archived from the original on August 18, 2017. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  17. ^ "Stefanie Dolson Career Highs". WNBA.com. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved May 22, 2017.
  18. ^ "Stefanie Dolson scores career-high 29 points but Sky fall 86-80 to Mercury". Chicago Tribune. July 28, 2017. Archived from the original on October 13, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  19. ^ "WNBA News: Chicago re-signs 3, plus adds veteran free agent". swishappeal.com. February 20, 2018. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  20. ^ "Chicago Sky Re-Sign Two-Time WNBA All-Star Center Stefanie Dolson – Chicago Sky". sky.wnba.com. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  21. ^ "Chicago Wins First WNBA Title With 80-74 Win Over Phoenix - WNBA". www.wnba.com. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  22. ^ Powell, Jackie (February 2, 2022). "What Stefanie Dolson's addition means for the New York Liberty". The Next. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  23. ^ Magliocchetti, Geoff (December 16, 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: Liberty's Stefanie Dolson Reflects on New York, Brittney Griner, and WNBA's Impact". Sports Illustrated New York Knicks News, Analysis and More. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  24. ^ Reilly, Bridget (May 16, 2024). "Why Stefanie Dolson left Liberty in free agency: 'Unfortunate situation'". Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  25. ^ "Aces repeat as champions: 'This one's sweeter'". ESPN.com. October 19, 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  26. ^ "Washington Mystics Sign WNBA Champion Stefanie Dolson". mystics.wnba.com. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  27. ^ Hatfield, Jenn (July 4, 2024). "Stefanie Dolson impacts Mystics behind, and beyond, 3-point line". The Next. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  28. ^ Lee, Albert (July 19, 2024). "Dolson 4th place in 2024 WNBA 3 point contest". Bullets Forever. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  29. ^ Achenbach, Erin (August 18, 2024). "Mystics' Stef Dolson ties WNBA record with incredible shooting feat". ClutchPoints. Retrieved August 30, 2024.
  30. ^ "2016-2017 WNBA Overseas Signings". womensbasketball247.com. Archived from the original on September 30, 2017. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  31. ^ "WNBA Players Playing Overseas". WNBA.com. Archived from the original on October 1, 2017. Retrieved October 13, 2017.
  32. ^ "Stefanie Dolson signs at Henan". asia-basket.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2019. Retrieved January 22, 2019.
  33. ^ @Unrivaledwbb (November 12, 2024). "BIG MAMA STEF IS UNRIVALED👑 PLAYER 32✅" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  34. ^ St. Clair, Stacy (July 25, 2021). "Stefanie Dolson? Who? At the Olympics, she's known as 'Big Mama Stef' on the 3x3 basketball court for Team USA". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2023.
  35. ^ "Stefanie Dolson WNBA Stats". Basketball Reference.
  36. ^ "NCAA Statistics". NCAA.org. Archived from the original on November 3, 2018. Retrieved April 15, 2016.
  37. ^ Zeigler, Cyd (May 11, 2016). "WNBA center Stefanie Dolson comes out". Outsports.com. Archived from the original on July 31, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  38. ^ release, Official. "ESPN and NBA announce celebrity rosters and coaches for 2019 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game presented by Ruffles exclusively on ESPN". NBA.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2019. Retrieved March 13, 2019.
  39. ^ "WBCA NCAA Division I Defensive Player of the Year". WBCA.org. Women's Basketball Coaches Association. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 1, 2014.
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