Alissa Pili is an emerging WNBA talent, celebrated for her remarkable skills and cultural heritage. A standout at Dimond High School, she scored a record 2,614 points before excelling at the University of Utah. Drafted eighth in total by the Minnesota Lynx in 2024, she averages 6.3 points in her rookie season. With Iñupiat and Samoan roots, Pili champions Indigenous representation in sports and engages in community initiatives. Her path reflects both personal victory and cultural significance, revealing much more about her impact.
Early Life
Alissa Pili is a talented WNBA player who displayed her athletic abilities from a young age. During her childhood, she developed a strong connection to her Polynesian and Indigenous Alaska native cultures, which played a notable role in shaping her identity.
As a standout athlete at Dimond High School, she became a three-time Alaska Gatorade Player of the Year and set a state scoring record with 2,614 career points. In addition to her basketball success, she illustrated her versatility by winning 13 state titles across different sports.
After high school, she continued her basketball path at the University of Southern California for three seasons before transferring to the University of Utah, where she continued to excel in the sport.
Alissa’s diverse heritage, which includes Iñupiat and Samoan roots, is a source of pride for her and influences her community engagement efforts.
Family Life
Alissa Pili is part of a large family with eight siblings, which has created a strong support system and sense of fellowship throughout her life.
Her older brother, who plays football at the University of Southern California, highlights the family’s tradition of athleticism.
Alissa is deeply connected to her Polynesian and Alaskan Indigenous heritage, a bond that is reinforced by her family’s values. These values drive her to proudly represent her culture through her accomplishments in sports.
She frequently expresses her gratitude for the steadfast support of her family, friends, and fans, acknowledging their essential role in her path as an athlete.
Career
Alissa Pili had an impressive college career at the University of Utah, where she was named Pac-12 Player of the Year.
In her senior season (2023-24), she led the team with an average of 21.4 points per game and set a school record with 727 total points in a single season.
Following her standout performance, she was selected eighth in total by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2024 WNBA Draft.
In her rookie season, Pili averaged 6.3 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, highlighting her potential as an emerging talent in the league.
Net Worth
As of October 2023, Alissa Pili’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, primarily derived from her WNBA contract and endorsement deals.
In her initial season with the Minnesota Lynx, she earned approximately $75,000.
In 2024, Alissa Pili expanded her financial portfolio with a deal from Nike’s N7 brand, which focuses on supporting Indigenous communities.
This partnership further improves her earning potential through her unique marketability as the premier Polynesian player in the WNBA.