Erica Wheeler, born on May 2, 1991, in Miami, Florida, is an American professional basketball player known for her remarkable journey in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Despite going undrafted in 2013 after her collegiate career at Rutgers University, Wheeler’s determination and talent propelled her to significant achievements in professional basketball.
Early Life and College Career
Growing up in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami, Wheeler faced numerous challenges but found solace and purpose in basketball. She attended Parkway Academy in Miramar, Florida, where she excelled on the court, leading to her commitment to Rutgers University in 2009. During her tenure at Rutgers, Wheeler was a consistent performer, leading the team in steals and averaging nearly 10 points per game in her junior year. Tragically, before her senior year, she lost her mother to cancer, an event that profoundly impacted her life and career. Nevertheless, she completed her senior season and graduated from Rutgers.
Professional Career
Wheeler’s professional journey began in 2013 with international stints, including playing for Leonas de Ponce in Puerto Rico and Mersin Kurtulus in Turkey. In 2015, she earned a training camp spot with the Atlanta Dream, marking her entry into the WNBA. Throughout her career, Wheeler has played for several WNBA teams:
Atlanta Dream (2015): Wheeler appeared in 17 games during her initial season.
New York Liberty (2015): She had a brief tenure with the Liberty within the same year.
Indiana Fever (2016–2019, 2023–2024): Wheeler’s most notable period came with the Fever. In 2019, she made history by becoming the first undrafted player to be named the WNBA All-Star Game MVP.
Los Angeles Sparks (2021): Wheeler signed as a free agent, bringing her veteran experience to the team.
Atlanta Dream (2022): She returned to the Dream for a second stint, contributing her skills and leadership.
Seattle Storm (2025–Present): In February 2025, Wheeler signed with the Seattle Storm, embarking on a new chapter in her career.
Overseas Play
In addition to her WNBA career, Wheeler has played internationally during the off-seasons:
Turkey: She played for Mersin Kurtulus (2013–2014) and later for İzmit Belediyespor (2020–2021), where she averaged 15.1 points per game over 16 games.
Brazil: Wheeler had stints with Sport Club do Recife (2014–2015) and Sampaio Basquete (2015–2016).
Poland: She played for BC Polkowice during the 2021–2024 seasons.
Turkey: In 2024, she joined Nesibe Aydın GSK, continuing her international career.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Off the court, Wheeler is recognized for her philanthropic efforts. In February 2024, she joined the WNBA Changemakers Collective in collaboration with VOICEINSPORT (VIS) as a mentor. This initiative aims to keep girls engaged in sports and develop diverse leaders both on and off the court.
Erica Wheeler’s journey from undrafted free agent to WNBA All-Star MVP exemplifies resilience, dedication, and passion for the game. Her ongoing contributions continue to inspire many in the basketball community and beyond.
