Apr 16, 2015 2 min read

Pitt senior point guard Brianna Kiesel was drafted Thursday night by the Tulsa Shock as the 13th overall selection in the 2015 WNBA Draft.

The Utica, N.Y. native is the Panthers’ all-time leader in minutes played, while ranking fifth in both points (1,938) and assists (433). She had a standout senior season which resulted in numberous individual accolades and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Kiesel was named a WBCA Region 2 All-America nominee, a First Team All-ACC performer, as well as being named to the All-ACC Defensive Team and All-ACC Academic Team.

“I am so blessed for the opportunity to make it to the WNBA,” Kiesel said. “That has been a dream of mine and I am going to go out there and give it my all. It was amazing to hear my name called. Being here with my coaches, friends, family and teammates, I have such a great support system. The University of Pittsburgh has blessed me with so many great opportunties.”

Kiesel is now the second player in program history to be drafted into the WNBA along with Shavonte Zellous who was selected 11th by Detroit in 2009.

“There is no question Brianna was a leader, but what she did this year really solidified her as a true leader,” Steve Swetoha, President of the Tulsa Shock said. “She is a really good shooter and can create her own shot. We watched some games this season where she simply took over.”

Tulsa’s first game of the WNBA season is Friday, June 5th at Minnesota, team formerly coached by current Pitt head coach Suzie McConnell-Serio.