With her college team’s successful win over the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2025 March Madness, this year is deemed lucky for Nika Muhl. As if the Big Dance victory wasn’t enough, the Croatian native also became the 14th overall pick in the WNBA Draft. Muhl represents the Seattle Storm at the point guard position while her college teammate and first overall pick in the draft, Paige Bueckers, was recently drafted by the Dallas Wings this season.

Their time at UConn was magical, with Muhl’s fierce defense perfectly complementing Bueckers’ scoring brilliance, leading the Huskies to multiple NCAA Tournament runs.

However, in a twist of fate, the UConn Huskies star player, Nika Muhl, won’t be able to join her college teammate and friend, Paige Bueckers, in the WNBA for the 2025 season. Despite a severe ACL tear followed by successful surgery last season, it seems that Nika will have to stay put on the bench for her second WNBA season.

How did Nika Mühl get injured and what impact will it have on her 2025 season?

Nika Muhl suffered a meniscus tear and a torn ACL while playing in Turkish club, Beşiktaş JK against team, Fenerbahçe S.K. under Turkey’s Women’s Basketball Super League in October 2024. This called for a  surgery and put an immediate end to her entire 2024 season.

While the surgery was successful at best, the ACL demands more time to recuperate. The injury happened during a heated game, just as she was gaining valuable overseas experience after her rookie WNBA season. This devastating setback has forced her to miss her entire second WNBA season, including the Seattle Storm’s training camp.

The Storm’s medical team has her on a careful rehab plan, with light exercises starting in April 2025, but she’s not expected to return to full-contact play until at least late 2025 and will come back stronger.

Her absence leaves a gap in the Storm’s backcourt, especially for her knack for shutting down opposing guards. The team may turn to veteran Kiana Williams or look for free agents to fill the void, a reminder of how injuries can shake up a season.

What are Nika Mühl’s WNBA stats so far in her rookie season with the Seattle Storm?

As a rookie guard for the Storm, Nika Muhl played a total of 16 games in her debut season after being drafted 14th overall by the Storm in 2024.

However, her scoring was limited due to the injury and subsequently lead to a premature season end. She scored an average of 0.1 points per game with a field goal percentage of just 7.1%. Muhl also contributed 0.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game in her limited playing time under the Storm.

On the other hand, her Player Efficiency Rating (PER), which amounted to -3.2, as she recorded -0.2 Win Shares, thereby reflecting a challenging transition to the pro level.

What is Nika Mühl’s background and what role did she play prior to the injury?

Nicknamed the “Secretary of Defense,” Muhl was known for her tenacious guarding skills during her college years at UConn. Standing 6 feet tall and weighing 156 lbs, the All-time leader was a right-handed shooter who played at guard position in the program.

During her time at the University of Connecticut, Nika became the two-time holder of the Big East Defensive Player of the Year. Also crowned the 2024 WNBA Most Stylish Player, Nika Muhl hails from Zagreb, Croatia.

Growing up in Zagreb, Croatia, Muhl was surrounded by basketball—both her parents, Roberta and Darko, played professionally. She sharpened her skills at III Gimnazija Zagreb before chasing her dreams at UConn, adapting to a new country and culture at just 18. Her bold move paid off, earning her a nickname from coach Geno Auriemma for her lockdown defense.

Her flair and grit make her a player worth rooting for, even as she faces this tough chapter.