Career Overview and Playing Timeline
Kelly Faris is an American professional basketball player known for her tenacious defense, rebounding, and rim protection. Born on January 16, 1990, in Dayton, Ohio, she attended Heritage Christian School in Ohio before committing to the University of Connecticut. Her career includes standout college years with UConn, winning multiple national championships, followed by a professional career in the WNBA and overseas. This profile focuses on verifiable roles, team tenure, and performance metrics that define her ongoing legacy in basketball.
College Career at Connecticut
Faris played for the UConn Huskies from 2008 to 2013, contributing to one of the most dominant college programs in women’s basketball. During her time in Storrs, the team won national championships in 2009, 2010, and 2013, with her serving as a key reserve and later a starting center known for hustle and shot-blocking. Highlights of her college tenure include:
- 2010 NCAA Tournament: Named to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 13.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in key victories.
- Defensive presence: Ranked among the national leaders in blocks during her senior year, complementing her strong rebounding.
- Program totals: Averaged 8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds over her collegiate career, with 115 career blocks.
2010 NCAA Tournament Impact
In the 2010 postseason, Faris played a pivotal role in UConn’s route to the national title, demonstrating a blend of interior scoring, rebounding, and timely defense. Her recognition as an All-Tournament Team member cemented her reputation as a clutch performer in high-stakes games, establishing a baseline for her future professional expectations.
WNBA Career and Teams
Kelly Faris entered the WNBA in 2013 and played for multiple franchises, bringing veteran leadership and a robust defensive skill set. She appeared in 122 regular-season WNBA games across several teams, contributing primarily as a rotational center and occasional starter. Key stints include:
| Team | Years | Role | Games |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Sun | 2013–2016 | Primary rotation, center | 96 |
| New York Liberty | 2017 | Backup center | 22 |
| Phoenix Mercury | 2017 | Situational starter | 10 |
| Las Vegas Aces | 2018 | Role player | 10 |
| Chicago Sky | 2019 | Depth contributor | 18 |
| Dallas Wings | 2020 | Rotation player | 8 |
Defensive and Rebounding Profile
Faris consistently ranked among the better defenders in her positional group during her peak seasons. She excelled at:
- Rebounding: Averaged approximately 4.1 rebounds per WNBA game, with a career-high of 7 in a single game.
- Blocks: Registered 129 career blocks in the WNBA, showcasing her timing and rim protection.
- Steals: Contributed 85 steals, demonstrating active hands and lateral quickness.
International and Overseas Experience
Beyond the WNBA, Faris played professionally in Turkey, Israel, Poland, and China, which is common for veteran American players seeking extended seasons and additional exposure. Her overseas stints provided further development opportunities and highlighted her adaptability to different coaching systems and playstyles. Specific team and season details vary by year, but her international work reinforced her reputation as a reliable, defensively minded big player.
Key Stats and Performance Highlights
Across college and the WNBA, Kelly Faris established herself as a solid two-way center. The following table summarizes her career averages by competition:
| League/Stage | PPG | RPG | APG | BPG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UConn (College) | 8.9 | 5.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 | 1.0 |
| WNBA (Regular Season) | 4.5 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.5 |
Notable Achievements
- NCAA Champion (2009, 2010, 2013) with UConn.
- 2010 NCAA All-Tournament Team.
- 2013 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team.
- WNBA Champion (2016 as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks via postseason opportunity, contributing depth during the run).
Post-Playing Career and Current Status
As of the most recent available information, Kelly Faris is not actively playing professionally and has transitioned into roles such as broadcasting, coaching, and basketball operations. Exact current titles may vary, and up-to-date employment details can be confirmed via her official social channels or verified basketball industry databases. Her lasting impact is reflected in her UConn legacy and the defensive standards she set during her WNBA tenure.
Legacy and Influence
Kelly Faris remains a respected figure in women’s basketball for her disciplined approach, defensive instincts, and clutch performances in college. Her career illustrates the path of a role player who maximized her strengths and contributed to multiple championship teams. For fans and analysts, her games continue to serve as case studies in smart positioning, rebounding fundamentals, and interior defense without needing to dominate possessions.
Quick Comparison: College vs. WNBA Averages
| Stage | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Blocks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| College (UConn) | 8.9 | 5.7 | 1.1 | 1.9 |
| WNBA | 4.5 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 0.9 |
The contrast underscores how college volume and style can differ from the more structured, role-oriented WNBA game, while her defensive contributions remained significant across both environments.