Rae Burrell is a professional basketball player from the United States, currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She honed her skills in college basketball with the Tennessee Volunteers after completing her education at Liberty High School in Henderson, Nevada, where she earned the title of the Las Vegas Review-Journal Best of Nevada Preps Female Athlete of the Year in 2018.
Born on June 21, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Rae Burrell demonstrated her basketball prowess during her time at Liberty High School.
Ranked as the 43rd overall recruit by ESPN’s HoopGurlz, Rae Burrell chose to join the Tennessee Volunteers. In her freshman year, she participated in every game, averaging 12.7 minutes on the court. She achieved a season-high of 14 points in two games against Presbyterian and Florida A&M.
In her sophomore year, Rae Burrell emerged as the leading reserve for her team. She concluded the season with averages of 10.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg. Notably, she recorded her first career double-double against Mississippi State, contributing 20 points, 10 rebounds, three steals, and one block.
As a junior, Rae Burrell recorded an average of 16.8 ppg and 4.6 rpg, distinguishing herself as the only player on the Volunteer team to start every game. She excelled in the NCAA Tournament, scoring 22 points in the opening match against Middle Tennessee.
Prior to her senior year, Rae Burrell was recognized as the 24th best women’s college basketball player heading into the 2021–2022 season. Unfortunately, during an early matchup against Southern Illinois, she sustained a knee injury that sidelined her for several weeks. Upon her return, Rae Burrell participated in 22 games, averaging 12.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg. She elevated her performance towards the end of the season, particularly after fellow guard Jordan Horston was injured, leading the Volunteers to the Sweet Sixteen, where they were defeated by the Louisville Cardinals. She concluded her career at Tennessee with a final game score of 22 points.
On March 29, Rae Burrell announced via Instagram that she would not be utilizing her additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and would instead declare for the 2022 WNBA draft.
Rae Burrell was chosen 9th overall in the 2022 WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. Unfortunately, she was limited to just three games in her rookie season due to a foot injury.
Rae Burrell did not secure a position on the Sparks roster after the 2023 training camp; however, she was signed to a hardship contract in May. After two days, she was released from this contract. On June 17, 2023, Rae Burrell rejoined the team under a second hardship contract and remained with the Sparks for the remainder of the season, participating in 29 games and averaging 11.1 minutes of play per game. Additionally, she competed overseas with the UC Capitals during the 2022–23 WNBL season.
On February 1, 2024, Rae Burrell signed a multi-year contract with the Sparks. Initially, her playing time was limited, but she gradually increased her presence on the court. Ultimately, she played in 37 games, starting in the final seven games of the season and averaging 15.6 minutes per game.
On November 18, 2024, it was announced that Rae Burrell would participate in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, a women’s 3-on-3 basketball league established by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, set to begin in 2025.
Rae Burrell photos
