Seattle – Breanna Stewart, a star with the Liberty, has always had somewhat conflicting emotions about returning to Seattle.
This visit marks her fourth since gaining her freedom, and it feels, well, familiar.
“It feels good. People often stop me and express their gratitude for what I’ve done here,” Stewart shared on Saturday following practice.
She has many fond memories associated with this city.
Stewart first came to Seattle at just 21, as the top pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. She quickly established herself as a key player on the team, earning Rookie of the Year honors and later the league MVP title two years later. During her time, she helped the Storm to secure two WNBA championships in just three years.
However, there’s a bittersweet element to her return. Stewart feels a sense of loss for the people she can no longer see regularly since moving to the Liberty before the 2023 season.
“This is where I grew up,” she reflected. “I’ve developed my professional career here, and it’ll always hold a special spot in my heart.”
Yet, despite her past achievements, Stewart has never received a warm welcome during any of her three previous visits with the Liberty over the last couple of years.
A video showcasing her accomplishments aired on the Jumbotron, but there wasn’t a real acknowledgment of her returns.
Stewart tries not to dwell on it, though she admits it stands out when it’s mentioned by others.
“That’s just how it is,” she remarked. “When I first came back, it was definitely an emotional experience for me, and I don’t really feel it’s up to me. But I’ll keep doing my best, and if that’s the way they want to treat it, then so be it.”
Stewart did not receive the designation of a core player for 2023, which allowed her to become an unrestricted free agent. Instead, Seattle opted for Jewel Lloyd, who had requested a trade last offseason.
She joined the Freedom with the commitment to bring a championship title to New York, a goal she reaffirmed last season.
As a reigning WNBA champion, Stewart reflected on her tough decision to leave Seattle in the first place. “It feels good to come back,” she stated confidently.
In other news, Jonquel Jones will be on the sidelines for about four to six weeks due to a sprained right ankle, as announced by Liberty. She aggravated her ankle injury during the second quarter on Thursday.
Jones was seen leaving the locker room in a walking boot and did not accompany the team to Seattle.
