Liberty’s Season Opener: A Promising Comeback

On the morning of Liberty’s season opener, Bethnia Rainey Hamilton began her day with a prayer. “Thank you, Lord,” she expressed. “It’s another day and another chance for me to get out.”

This moment has been a long time coming for Rainey Hamilton. After missing the entire previous season due to knee surgery, she hasn’t played competitive WNBA basketball since the Liberty lifted the championship trophy in October 2024.

During the Liberty’s 106-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun, Laney Hamilton felt the warm support from fans as her name was announced in the starting lineup. She quickly took to the court.

A standout moment for Laney came when she skillfully crossed Gianna Neepkens before heading toward the basket. She finished with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting, alongside two rebounds and four assists.

Reflecting on her return, Laney spoke about envisioning this day “for a long time.” She noted, “It’s like it’s right at my feet. Just anything I can do to help, that’s what I’ll do. And now, I’m really excited to be back on the field, healthy and able to play for the first time in a while.”

Rainey Hamilton has dealt with knee issues for years, missing 12 games in 2024 due to right knee discomfort, and her appearances were also limited in 2022 because of another right knee injury. During her first year of Unrivaled, she suffered an acute meniscus tear in her left knee, which required surgery.

Last year, instead of rushing back, she focused on rehabilitation. After re-signing her to a one-year deal last month, general manager Jonathan Kolb remarked that Laney is “as healthy as she’s been in years.”

The impact of her absence was palpable last season. Known as the ultimate glue player, Laney provides vocal leadership and plays tenaciously on both ends of the floor, making her one of Liberty’s top perimeter defenders.

Now back in the lineup, she’s ready to resume where she left off. “It’s been a long time,” Laney admitted.

The Liberty also debuted their 2026 Nike WNBA Rebel Edition uniform, inspired by the Brooklyn Bridge. The seafoam design, with its gold and black trim, received positive feedback from Rainey Hamilton. “It’s so cute,” she remarked, adding that she loves that seafoam is back. “I think it’s really cute because it’s gold and black and everything.”

In other news, hopes for Aneri Mailey’s return diminished when the Phoenix Mercury claimed her off waivers. Released by the Liberty, Mailey had become a fan favorite during training camp, boasting averages of 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, and two assists in two preseason games.