Kayana Traylor, born on September 27, 1999, hails from Martinsville, Indiana, USA. Her journey in basketball began early, fueled by a passion for the game that would eventually lead her to professional success.
Traylor emerged as a rising star during her high school years. She was named to the Indiana All-Star team and earned two-time conference MVP honors. In September 2015, she committed to play for the Purdue Boilermakers, becoming the first player in the 2018 recruiting class to do so.
As a freshman, Traylor quickly established herself as a starter and one of the best assisters in Purdue’s program history. Her junior year was particularly impressive, with standout performances in Big Ten play, earning her All-Big Ten Second Team honors and media recognition.
Kayana-Traylor is a two-time MVP honorImage Source: Pinterest However, after her junior season, Traylor decided to transfer and play her final two years elsewhere. In April 2021, she announced her move to Virginia Tech. With the Hokies, she continued to shine, averaging double-digit points and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
During her fifth year, Traylor was pivotal in guiding Virginia Tech to their first-ever Final Four appearance in program history.
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Traylor’s WNBA journey began when she was selected 23rd overall in the Second Round of the 2023 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky. Despite her talent, she faced setbacks during training camp and was waived, missing out on a spot in the Sky’s roster.
Kayana-Traylor won ACC championshipHowever, her resilience paid off when she signed a Hardship Contract with the Minnesota Lynx. On June 27, 2023, Traylor made her WNBA debut against the Seattle Storm, marking the start of her professional career.
Unfortunately, injuries and challenges followed, leading to her release in July 2023. Nevertheless, her determination remains unwavering12.
During her college years, Traylor’s accolades include All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (Media) and All-Big Ten Second Team (Coaches). She also achieved the significant milestone of scoring her 1,000th career point against Clemson in February 2022.
Kayana's impact on the court extends beyond statistics, as she played an instrumental role in Virginia Tech’s historic Final Four run.
On June 26, 2023, Kayana Traylor entered a hardship contract with the Minnesota Lynx, marking a significant milestone in her professional basketball career. Under the terms of this agreement, she was set to receive a salary totaling $64,154 for the year ahead.
Kayana-Traylor was signed to Minnesota LynxImage Source: Instagram This opportunity not only underscored Kayana's talent and potential but also represented a pivotal moment in her journey, as she embarked on a new chapter with the Lynx organization.
Throughout her basketball journey, Kayana Traylor has encountered numerous obstacles and injuries. In the early stages of her career, she endured the adversity of a torn ACL and a broken foot. These setbacks presented formidable hurdles, testing her resilience and determination.
However, rather than allowing these challenges to hinder her aspirations in basketball, Kayana remained steadfast in her pursuit of the sport she loves.
Kayana Traylor hails from a family of mixed-racial heritage. Her mother, Danielle Traylor, is African American, while her father, Jeff Walker, is of Caucasian descent.
Although her parents are not married, they maintain a friendly relationship and actively participate in their children's upbringing. Kayana is the eldest among her three younger sisters—Ashlyn, Adelyn, and Pa’Shence—all of whom share her passion for basketball.
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