NaLyssa Smith

Player Information

NaLyssa Smith (born August 8, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball for Baylor, winning the NCAA Division I Championship in 2019 and the Wade Trophy in 2021. She was drafted second overall by the Indiana Fever in the 2022 WNBA draft.
Full Name :
NaLyssa Smith
Birthdate :
8 August 2000
Birthplace :
San Antonio, Texas, USA
Gender :
Female
Height (cm) :
193
Weight (kg) :
84
Nationality :
United States
Parents :
Rodney Smith (Father), Nikki Smith (Mother)
Status :
In a Relationship
Partner :
DiJonai Carrington
Education :
East Central High School (High School), Baylor (College)
Career Started :
2022
Notable Achievements :
WNBA champion (2025), WNBA All-Rookie Team (2022), Athletes Unlimited League champion (2023), NCAA champion (2019)
Awards :
Wade Trophy (Win Year 2021), Honda Sports Award (Win Year 2021), Katrina McClain Award (Win Year 2021)
Current Team :
Las Vegas Aces
Previous Teams :
Indiana Fever (From 2022, To 2024), Athletes Unlimited League (From 2023, To 2023), Galatasaray (From 2023, To 2024), Zhejiang Golden Bulls (From 2024, To 2024)
Drafted :
2022
Drafted by :
Indiana Fever
Active Status :
From - 2022, To - Present

Biography

NaLyssa Smith is a prominent WNBA player who was drafted 2nd in total by the Indiana Fever in 2022. She showcased her basketball skill at Baylor University, becoming a two-time All-Big 12 Player of the Year. Known for her scoring and rebounding abilities, Smith averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds in the 2023 season, setting a franchise record for double-doubles. Recently traded to the Dallas Wings, her career is ready for continued growth and success. More details about her path await.

Early Life

NaLyssa Smith displayed her basketball talent from a young age, attending East Central High School, where she made a notable impact on the court by averaging 23.4 points and 13.7 rebounds during her senior year.

Her outstanding performance earned her the prestigious title of McDonald’s All-American in 2018, highlighting her as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation.

Following high school, she continued to excel in basketball at Baylor University, where she became a two-time All-Big 12 Player of the Year and received the Katrina McClain Award twice, further solidifying her reputation as a standout player before making her shift to the WNBA.

Family Life

NaLyssa Smith’s family has played an essential role in her basketball path, providing steadfast support and encouragement throughout her life. She has a close-knit relationship with her family, which includes her parents and siblings, who have consistently motivated her to pursue her passion for the sport.

NaLyssa often shares moments with her family on social media, highlighting their values and the importance of their support in her life. She expresses deep gratitude for their influence, recognizing how they have contributed to her achievements and personal growth as a professional athlete.

Furthermore, her relationship with fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington illustrates her connection within the basketball community, further enriching her support system.

Career

NaLyssa Smith, drafted 2nd in total by the Indiana Fever in the 2022 WNBA Draft, has quickly established herself as a standout player in the league.

Her impressive college career at Baylor saw her score over 2,000 points and grab more than 1,000 rebounds, earning her the All-Big 12 Player of the Year title twice.

In the 2023 WNBA season, she averaged 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, finishing fourth in the league for rebounds. Remarkably, she set a franchise record for the most double-doubles in a single season with the Fever.

Following her successful tenure with the Fever, she was traded to the Dallas Wings in 2025, where she has continued to contribute greatly, averaging 9.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in her early games with the team.

Net Worth

NaLyssa Smith’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, primarily derived from her WNBA salary and endorsements.

As a primary-round draft pick in 2022, her initial contract with the Indiana Fever included a base salary of approximately $70,000. Following her recent trade to the Dallas Wings, her salary is expected to have increased.

Throughout her career, her earnings from diverse contracts and endorsements have contributed to her net worth, with her performance and popularity in the league likely leading to higher earnings in the future.

With supplementary income opportunities from international play and sponsorships, her net worth has the potential to grow considerably as she advances her career.