Major star legacy is deeply intertwined with numbers. During her outstanding four years with the University of Washington women’s basketball team, she set numerous historic records that are a testament to her brilliance. She holds the record for the most points in a single game at UW (57), ranks seventh in NCAA Division I history for points in a game, and set NCAA Division I records for career free throws (912), most points in a single season (1,109), and career points at UW (3,527), which is second in NCAA Division I history. However, Plum’s success wasn’t solely her own—she benefited from the guidance of Mike Neighbors, UW’s first-year coach, who crafted a fast-paced offense tailored to the 5-foot-8 point guard with an exceptional left-handed shot, allowing her to thrive as a freshman. Additionally, Plum was supported by a strong, yet often overlooked, team that helped the Huskies reach three NCAA Tournaments, including a Final Four appearance in 2016. Still, Plum stands as a generational talent, earning her place as one of the greatest players in UW history. To honor her remarkable career, UW will retire her No. 10 jersey, which will be displayed alongside other Huskies legends at Alaska Airlines Arena during Saturday’s sold-out game against Purdue. For those who knew her best, the statistics only begin to capture her true greatness.
Her relentless drive and focus were unparalleled, according to Mike Neighbors, who coached her at Washington. “Her ability to be laser-focused is more than any human I’ve ever met,” said Neighbors, who is now coaching at Arkansas. He credited her laser-like focus with pushing everyone around her to operate at their highest level. “She had this plan and blueprint in her head of where she wanted to go and how she wanted to get it done. If you weren’t on her level, then you didn’t exist in her world.” Adia Barnes, head coach of Arizona women’s basketball, also compares Plum’s competitive mindset to that of legends like Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi. Barnes, who coached at Washington from 2011 to 2016, remembers Plum’s early potential, noting that while others doubted her, Plum always believed she would achieve greatness. “Watching her grow, seeing her physically change, and how her mindset set her apart made all the difference,” Barnes explained. She also mentioned how Plum’s dedication to skill development was unmatched, recalling how she was surprised that Plum was always working to improve, even outside of practice. “In my 15 years of coaching, I haven’t seen anyone like her. Not even close,” Barnes added.
Kelsey Plum’s commitment to her craft was unmatched, starting with her early-morning training routine at La Jolla Country Day School. Her dedication continued at the University of Washington, where she practiced every morning at 6 a.m. for the first two years, later moving to 8 or 10 a.m. as she became more flexible with her schedule. Neighbors recalls how Plum often practiced alone, honing her flawless shooting technique, until the team eventually gave her a gym key. “It’s hard to really explain how one person can set the bar so high and lift everybody,” he said.
Plum’s leadership and drive transformed the Washington program. Two pivotal moments stand out in Neighbors’ mind: first, the Huskies’ win over third-ranked Stanford in 2014, which changed the team’s self-perception and aspirations. Neighbors knew that to compete with teams like Stanford and UConn, they had to improve everything from training to recovery. Plum led by example, moving from practicing alone to inspiring her teammates to join her in extra work. She also transitioned from a freshman captain, initially resented by older teammates, to a mature, respected leader who had learned how to lead and inspire.
Plum also pushed for improvements in the program’s resources, successfully advocating for equal practice times, a trip to the 2016 Preseason NIT, and a commitment from the school to host NCAA Tournament games. “She was always thinking a step or two ahead,” Neighbors said.
Her commitment to excellence extended beyond basketball. Former UW athletic director Jen Cohen recalls a moment after the Final Four when Plum was practicing alone in a cold gym, preparing to break the all-time scoring record. “When are you going to get some heat in this place?” Plum shouted at Cohen, illustrating her relentless pursuit of success, even in the smallest details.
Cohen also fondly remembers taking Plum on a Nordstrom shopping spree after her senior year, where Plum picked out outfits for postseason banquets. When Cohen hesitated at the total, Plum confidently reminded her, “I’m worth it,” proving she had earned every accolade with her incredible dedication.