Sarah Ashlee Barker, a star from Alabama, was chosen in the first round of the 2025 WNBA draft.
In a moment she’ll never forget, Alabama’s Sarah Ashlee Barker heard her name called as the ninth overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, selected by the Los Angeles Sparks. The dazzling guard, whose fierce competitiveness, sharp shooting, and leadership defined her college career, now takes her talents to the professional stage — and to one of the most storied franchises in WNBA history.
What’s unfolding for Barker isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a landmark moment for Alabama women’s basketball and a victory for those who’ve followed her journey since her early days in Hoover, Alabama.
A Hometown Hero’s Journey
Born in Birmingham, Barker grew up in a household steeped in sports. Her father, Jay Barker, was a national championship-winning quarterback at Alabama. Her mother, Amy, played basketball at the University of Alabama as well. Athletic excellence was more than an expectation — it was a tradition.
Sarah Ashlee carved her own path, starring at Spain Park High School in Hoover, where she lit up the scoreboard, captured statewide attention, and earned the title of Alabama’s 2020 Miss Basketball. She was a two-time ASWA Class 7A State Player of the Year and the 2020 Alabama Gatorade Player of the Year, averaging over 23 points and nearly 10 rebounds per game.
By the time she graduated, Barker had scored more than 2,000 points — a generational talent poised to take on college basketball.
From Georgia to Alabama: A Bold Transfer
Barker began her collegiate career with the Georgia Bulldogs. In her freshman season, she played a valuable supporting role and earned a spot on the SEC All-Freshman Team, averaging 5.1 points and 2.7 rebounds. By her sophomore year, she had grown into a starter, contributing consistently at both ends of the floor.
But after two seasons, Barker made a bold decision: she transferred to the University of Alabama to play for head coach Kristy Curry. That choice would redefine her career.
At Alabama, Barker flourished into one of the best guards in the nation. In her junior season (2023–24), she started all 33 games, averaging 16.6 points per game and leading the Crimson Tide in scoring. Her fierce play and competitive fire ignited a resurgence in Alabama women’s basketball, helping the team secure its highest win total in nearly a decade.
She didn’t stop there.
Senior Season Stardom
During the 2024–25 season, Barker reached a new level. She averaged 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game — showcasing her versatility on both ends of the court. With her aggressive drives, fearless shooting, and vocal leadership, Barker became the engine that drove the Tide’s offense.
She was named to the Naismith Trophy Player of the Year Midseason Team, earned First Team All-SEC honors, and became a top-10 finalist for the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, given to the best shooting guard in the country.
One of her most unforgettable performances came during the 2025 NCAA Tournament. In a dramatic second-round matchup against Maryland, Barker poured in a school-record 45 points in a double-overtime thriller — setting a new standard for Alabama women’s basketball postseason excellence. Though Alabama would fall in the Sweet 16, Barker’s individual brilliance captured the national spotlight.
“She’s the heartbeat of our team,” Coach Curry said after that game. “She’s fearless, relentless, and the kind of player that makes everyone around her better.”
A WNBA Draft Night to Remember
Heading into the 2025 WNBA Draft, most mock drafts had Barker projected somewhere between the late first round and early second. But the Los Angeles Sparks had other ideas.
With the ninth overall pick, the Sparks selected Barker, marking a major investment in her future and their backcourt.
“Sarah Ashlee is a competitor — plain and simple,” Sparks head coach Curt Miller said in a post-draft press conference. “She brings grit, scoring, and a toughness that’s contagious. We believe she has the mentality and the skillset to contribute right away.”
Barker’s emotional reaction was caught on camera as her name was called. She embraced her family, wiping away tears, overwhelmed by the realization of a dream that had been years in the making.
“To hear my name and to be picked by such an iconic franchise like the Sparks — it’s surreal,” Barker said. “I’m just so thankful. Thankful to my coaches, my teammates, my family, and everyone who believed in me.”
A Perfect Fit in Los Angeles
The Sparks, in the midst of a rebuild, have placed a premium on high-IQ, high-effort players — and Barker fits that mold. Her ability to create her own shot, make plays off the dribble, and defend multiple positions makes her an intriguing piece for a team trying to climb back into playoff contention.
While she may not enter the league as a day-one starter, Barker is expected to be a rotation player immediately, with the potential to grow into a foundational piece for the Sparks.
“She’s a winner,” said ESPN’s Rebecca Lobo on the draft broadcast. “She’s going to bring that Alabama tenacity to the WNBA, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s a fan favorite in L.A. really quickly.”
Off the Court: More Than an Athlete
Barker’s appeal extends beyond basketball. Known for her charismatic personality and community involvement, she’s already landed a landmark $12 million endorsement deal with a leading U.S. athletic brand — one of the largest pre-rookie NIL transitions in women’s basketball history.
Her marketability, fueled by her Southern roots, faith-forward messaging, and growing social media presence, positions her as a rising face in the league — especially in a major media market like Los Angeles.
“She’s the full package,” said her agent, Mariah Grant. “Smart, driven, talented, and authentic. Brands see that. Fans connect with that.”
In recent months, Barker has spoken openly about her faith, often referencing scripture in social media posts and interviews. On draft night, she posted on Instagram: “Can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store for me. Grateful for every step of the journey.”
Crimson Tide Legacy
With her first-round selection, Barker becomes just the second Alabama women’s basketball player to be drafted in the WNBA’s first round — and the first in over 20 years. She leaves behind a program that she helped elevate to national relevance, inspiring a new generation of girls in Alabama to dream big.
“She’s not just one of the best players we’ve had — she’s one of the most influential,” Coach Curry said. “What she did for this program can’t be measured in just points and wins. She changed the culture.”
Barker’s number may not be retired yet in Tuscaloosa, but her impact is undeniable.
The Road Ahead
As she prepares to transition to the professional game, Barker knows the WNBA won’t be easy. She’ll face elite athletes, seasoned veterans, and a faster pace of play. But those who know her aren’t worried.
“She’s a grinder,” said former Alabama teammate Aaliyah Nye. “She’ll be in the gym at 6 a.m., studying film, doing whatever it takes. That’s who she is.”
In training camp, Barker will battle for minutes against proven guards, but her versatility gives her a path to early playing time. If she can adapt quickly to the Sparks’ system and the WNBA’s physicality, she could become one of the breakout rookies of the 2025 season.
Final Thoughts
Sarah Ashlee Barker’s journey — from high school phenom to Alabama icon to WNBA first-rounder — is a story of resilience, bold choices, and unwavering belief.
It’s a story that resonates far beyond basketball courts.
For Alabama fans, she’s a hometown hero. For the WNBA, she’s a fresh face full of promise. And for the Los Angeles Sparks, she might just be the spark that ignites a new era.
QUICK FACTS: SARAH ASHLEE BARKER
- Position: Guard
- Height: 6’0”
- WNBA Draft: 2025, 1st Round (9th Overall) – Los Angeles Sparks
- College: Alabama (2022–2025); Georgia (2020–2022)
- Notable Awards: First Team All-SEC (2024, 2025), SEC All-Freshman Team, Naismith Midseason Team
- Career High: 45 points vs. Maryland (2025 NCAA Tournament)
- Endorsement: $12 million NIL deal (2025)
