The Fever have waived former Indiana women’s basketball star Grace Berger as part of their roster rebuilding efforts.
a significant move during their roster restructuring, the Indiana Fever have waived guard Grace Berger, a former standout from Indiana University. decision is part of the team’s broader strategy to enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming WNBA season.
ace Berger’s Journey to the WNBA*
Graceerger, born on June 3, 1999, in Louisville, Kentucky, made a name for herself at Sacred Heart Academy, where she earned accolades such as Courier-Journal Athlete of the Year and Kentucky All-Star honors. Her hschool success led her to Indiana University, where she became a pivotal player for the Hoosiers. During collegiate career, Berger was a four-time First-team All-Big Ten selection from 2020 to 2023 and concluded her tenure as the all-time winningest player in Indiana’s history, amassing 118 victories over five seasons. (en.wikidia.org)
In the 2023 WNBA Draft, the Indiana Fever selected Berger as the seventh overall pick, marking a historic moment as she becahe first Hoosier to be drafted in the first round. Her rookie season saw her participating in 36 gameith her role expanding as the season progressed. She averaged 3 points, 1.5 reboun, and 1.6 assists per game. (nba.com](https://www.wnba.com/player/1641658?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
allenges in the WNBA**
Despite a promising start, Berger faced challe in her second season. Her playing time diminished, appearing in only 11 regular-season games. This reduction in court time was influenced by the team’s acquisition of staruard Caitlin Clark,hich altered the backcourt dynamics anlimited opportunities for Berger. (indianafeverreport.com)
Indiana Fever’s Roster Overhaul
The decision to waive Berger as with the Fever’s aggressive roster overhaul aimed at building a championship-contending team around Caitlin Clark. The thas been active in the offseason, making significant moves to strengthen theirineup. Notably, theycired guard Sophie Cunningham from the Phoenix Mercury and signed three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard. These additions are expected to bring experience anrsatility to the roster. (en.wikipedia.org)
The Fever alsmade a notable trade, sending forward Lyssa Smith to the Dallas Wings in exchange for Cunningham and the 19th overall pick in the 2025 draft. This tranderscores the team’s commitment to restructuring and bringing in players who can make an immediate impact. (en.wikipedia.org)
Grace Berger’s Future Prospects
Following her departure from the Fever, Berger’s future in profession basketball remains sject of interest. In the 2023 WNBA offseason, she had a stint with Gernika KESB in Spain’s Liga Femenina de Baloncesto, but hime was cut short due to a thumb injury after eight games. In July 2024, she signed with OGM Ormanspof the Turkish Sur League, indicating her willingness to continue her professional career overseas. (en.wikipedia.org)
Given her talent and track record, it’s plausible that other WNBA teams or international c may express interest in Berger. Her experience and skills could be valuable assets to teams looking to bolster their backcourt depth.
The Indiana Fever’s decis to waive Grace Berger reflects the often challenging and dynamic nature of professional sports roster management. As the team focuses on building a roster capable of contending for a championship, difficult decisions are inevitable. For Berger, this move opens new opportunities, whether within the WNBA or in international leagues, to continue her basketball journey and make a significant impact on the court.
