In the dynamic world of women’s professional basketball, Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton stand out as exemplary athletes whose careers exemplify dedication, skill, and resilience. This article delves into their individual journeys from college standouts to WNBA professionals, exploring their achievements, playing styles, and recent moves to the Golden State Valkyries. By examining their paths, we uncover the impact these players have on the league and what their futures might hold in the expanding WNBA landscape.
Veronica Burton: Defensive Dynamo from Northwestern to the Pros
Veronica Burton, born on July 12, 2000, emerged as a defensive powerhouse during her collegiate career at Northwestern University. Starting as a freshman in the 2018-19 season, she quickly made her mark by leading the Big Ten in steals with 81, while also topping her team in assists. Her sophomore year built on this foundation, again leading in steals (100) and earning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award. This recognition became a hallmark of her college tenure, as she claimed the title for three consecutive years—a feat shared only with Tanisha Wright in conference history.
By her senior year in 2021-22, Burton was averaging 18 points, six assists, five rebounds, and four steals per game, leading the nation in total steals and ranking high in assist-to-turnover ratio. Her defensive prowess earned her the WBCA Defensive Player of the Year and a spot as a third-team All-American by the Associated Press. Finishing her college career with 394 steals (second in program history) and 575 assists (third in program history), Burton declared for the 2022 WNBA Draft, forgoing an extra year of eligibility.
Drafted seventh overall by the Dallas Wings, Burton’s professional journey began with promise. Over two seasons with the Wings, she appeared in 76 games, averaging 2.5 points and 2.1 assists. Her time there honed her skills as a reliable guard, but a waiver in May 2024 led to a stint with the Connecticut Sun, where she signed a rest-of-season contract. Burton’s international experience, including playing for AZS UMCS Lublin in Poland and signing with the Bendigo Spirit in Australia’s WNBL, has further refined her game. Representing the United States at the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, where she helped secure a gold medal, underscores her global impact.
What sets Burton apart is her elite defensive IQ and playmaking ability. Her ability to anticipate opponents’ moves and generate turnovers has made her a valuable asset, even as she adapts to the professional level’s pace and physicality.
Kayla Thornton: Versatile Forward and Championship Contributor
Transitioning from Burton’s guard-oriented defensive style, Kayla Thornton’s forward versatility complements the narrative of well-rounded WNBA talent. Born on October 20, 1992, Thornton dominated at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer and guiding the team to a record 29 wins in the 2011-12 season. Despite going undrafted in 2014, her persistence paid off when she signed with the Washington Mystics in 2015, appearing in 10 games.
After a brief hiatus, Thornton returned to the WNBA with the Dallas Wings in 2017, where she spent six impactful seasons. Known for her defensive tenacity and ability to guard multiple positions, she became a key role player. Her trade to the New York Liberty in January 2023 marked a turning point, as she embraced a sixth-man role that propelled the team to back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances. In 2024, Thornton’s contributions were instrumental in securing the Liberty’s championship title, showcasing her rebounding, scoring, and all-around hustle.
Offseason stints abroad in countries like Australia, Egypt, Israel, Italy, Puerto Rico, Russia, and South Korea have broadened her experience, enhancing her adaptability and basketball IQ. Thornton’s career statistics highlight her consistency: in the WNBA, she’s proven herself as a reliable forward with strong defensive metrics and efficient scoring.
Her journey from undrafted prospect to champion illustrates the importance of perseverance in professional sports, making her an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes.
United in Golden State: Synergies and Future Impact
As their paths converge, both Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton were selected by the Golden State Valkyries in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft—Burton from the Connecticut Sun and Thornton from the New York Liberty. This move positions them as foundational pieces for the league’s newest franchise, set to debut in 2025. Burton’s elite perimeter defense pairs seamlessly with Thornton’s positional versatility, potentially creating a formidable defensive unit that could anchor the Valkyries’ strategy.
In this new chapter, their combined experience—from Burton’s international gold medal to Thornton’s championship ring—offers a blend of youth and veteran savvy. The Valkyries, building from scratch, stand to benefit from their leadership and on-court chemistry. Fans can anticipate how their skills will evolve in a team environment focused on innovation and growth, possibly influencing the WNBA’s competitive balance.
This synergy not only highlights individual growth but also the evolving opportunities in women’s basketball, where expansion teams like Golden State provide fresh platforms for talent to shine.
In summary, Veronica Burton and Kayla Thornton embody the spirit of perseverance and excellence in the WNBA, with Burton’s defensive mastery and Thornton’s versatile championship experience now uniting in the Golden State Valkyries. Their journeys from college stars to pros underscore the league’s depth and global reach. As they embark on this exciting venture, readers are encouraged to follow their progress, celebrating the empowerment and inspiration these athletes bring to women’s sports and aspiring players worldwide.
About the Author
