Grace Elizabeth Berger, born on June 3, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, is an American professional basketball player known for her versatility and leadership on the court.
Early Life and High School Career
Berger attended Sacred Heart Academy in Louisville, where she distinguished herself as a formidable player. In her junior year, she averaged 14.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, leading her team to the Seventh Region title and the state finals. Her senior year saw her earning accolades such as Courier-Journal Athlete of the Year and Seventh Region Player of the Year, with averages of 15.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. Recognized as a three-time All-State selection, Berger was a five-star recruit who committed to Indiana University, choosing the Hoosiers over offers from Kentucky, Louisville, and Michigan.
Collegiate Career at Indiana University
Berger’s tenure at Indiana University from 2018 to 2023 was marked by consistent growth and record-setting performances. As a freshman, she contributed 5.5 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. Her sophomore year saw improvements to 13.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, earning her a first-team All-Big Ten selection. Notably, on November 25, 2020, Berger recorded the first triple-double in the program’s history, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a decisive win against Eastern Kentucky. She led NCAA Division I with three triple-doubles that season. By her senior year, she was averaging 16.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, securing her third consecutive first-team All-Big Ten honor. Berger concluded her collegiate career as the all-time winningest player in Indiana women’s basketball history, amassing 1,841 points, 573 assists, and 752 rebounds over 148 games.
Professional Career
In the 2023 WNBA Draft, Berger was selected seventh overall by the Indiana Fever. During her rookie season, she appeared in 36 games, with her role expanding as the season progressed. However, in her second season, her playing time diminished, leading to her being waived by the Fever on February 2, 2025. Shortly thereafter, on February 7, 2025, the Minnesota Lynx claimed her off waivers.
Beyond the WNBA, Berger has gained international experience. She had a stint with Gernika KESB in Spain during the 2023 off-season, which was cut short due to a thumb injury after eight games. In July 2024, she signed with OGM Ormanspor in the Turkish Super League, continuing to showcase her skills on an international platform.
National Team Contributions
Berger has also represented the United States on the international stage. She was part of the gold-winning team at the 2021 FIBA AmeriCup, contributing 6.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. In November 2024, she was among 13 athletes invited to the USA Basketball 3×3 Women’s National Team development camp, aiming for future national team assignments, including potential participation in the Olympics.
Grace Berger’s journey from a standout high school athlete to a professional player exemplifies her dedication and impact on women’s basketball, both domestically and internationally.
