Allanna Smith never stopped believing. As it is for many WNBA players, she was left to find her way in the uncertain waters of women’s basketball after being waived by the Indiana Fever in 2022, nine games into the season. Then, in less than two years, Smith went from league afterthought to a big-time free agent and even to the podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now she is a key player for the Minnesota Lynx, dominating the WNBA. Let’s find out more about Smith’s background and personal life.
Where is Alanna Smith from, and what is her nationality?
Alanna Smith was born on 10th September 1996 in Hobart, Tasmania in Australia. Smith grew up in Melbourne and attended Wesley College there. She even played in the Nunawading Spectres Juniors from 2009 to 2013 and dished out 12.3 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Despite moving to various cities around the world because of her dad’s professional basketball career, she maintains that her childhood was in the best city, as she said last year, “Melbourne is my favourite city in the entire world. It’s got everything you could ever want!”
After making an impact in Australian basketball, she dreamed of going ot college in the US. As to why, she explained, “My uncle went to college in California, and that put the idea in my head. My dad pushed it. Both him and my uncle had played professionally, so they were a big part of my basketball life growing up.”
Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Alanna Smith (8) works around New York Liberty forward Leonie Fiebich (13) during the first half of game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Moving to Stanford University in the United States, Smith quickly established herself as one of the top collegiate players in the nation. She had a stellar college career, marked by consistent improvement and standout performances. Smith earned All-Pac-12 honors in both 2018 and 2019, showcasing her versatility as a forward with scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess.
Her senior season in 2019 was especially dominant. She was named a Third-Team All-American by the USBWA, a Second-Team All-American by the Associated Press, and also earned WBCA Coaches’ All-American recognition, a rare trifecta that underlined her national impact. Smith’s strong collegiate resume led to her being selected eighth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, making her one of the top international prospects of her class and the highest-drafted Australian that year.
What is Alanna Smith’s ethnicity?
Alanna Smith is of European Australian descent. Her family heritage is rooted in Australian and possibly other European backgrounds, common across Tasmania and Victoria, reflecting no notable Indigenous or non-European ancestry.
Is Alanna Smith Christian?
Alanna Smith has not publicly discussed her religious beliefs, and there are no confirmed reports or interviews that reference her faith. As is common with many athletes, her spiritual views have remained private. Therefore, it is unclear whether she identifies as Christian or follows any particular religion.
Smith remains committed to her goal of becoming one of the elite players in the WNBA as she pushes forward with the Minnesota Lynx. It is clear that her bold decision to travel over 8000 miles to Stanford in pursuit of basketball excellence has paid off. Now competing at the highest level of the sport, she continues to thrive, spending her offseasons overseas to keep growing and playing the game she loves.
The post What Is Alanna Smith’s Ethnicity, Religion, and Nationality? Exploring her Family Roots and Background appeared first on EssentiallySports.