Kaila Charles, born on March 23, 1998, in Glenn Dale, Maryland, is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Seattle Storm of the WNBA.
A standout athlete from a young age, Charles rose to prominence during her college career at the University of Maryland, where she became one of the program’s all-time greats.
Known for her versatility, competitiveness, and defensive prowess, she transitioned into the professional ranks after being drafted in 2020.
Her journey reflects not only her individual drive but also the influence of a family steeped in athletic tradition.
Siblings
Kaila has three siblings, namely Darron, Afia and Akil.
Kaila’s older sister, Afia Charles, followed in their mother’s footsteps as a track athlete.
She competed at the University of Central Florida and represented Antigua and Barbuda at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Kaila’s older brother, Akil Charles, played basketball at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Canada, from 2015 to 2017.
His influence on Kaila was significant, as he introduced her to the sport and pushed her to develop her skills.
Akil often took Kaila to recreational centers as a seventh grader, forcing her to prove herself among older players, an experience she credits for her competitive edge.
Career
Kaila’s basketball journey began in Maryland, where she excelled at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, leading her team to two state championships in 2014 and 2015.
She later transferred to Riverdale Baptist School, helping secure a national championship and earning McDonald’s All-American honors in 2016.
Her high school success paved the way for her recruitment to the University of Maryland.
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At Maryland, Charles became a cornerstone of the women’s basketball program. She started all 135 games of her college career, tying a school record set by WNBA star Alyssa Thomas.
As a sophomore, she averaged 17.9 points per game—the highest ever for a Maryland sophomore—and went on to lead the team in scoring and rebounding as both a sophomore and senior.
After her senior year was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, Charles finished her collegiate tenure with 1,984 points and 930 rebounds, placing her sixth in program history for both categories.
In 2020, Charles was selected by the Connecticut Sun as the 23rd overall pick in the second round of the WNBA Draft.
She made an immediate impact, earning her first double-double against Dallas in 2021 and showcasing her defensive skills.
Over her WNBA career, which included stints with the New York Liberty, Atlanta Dream, and Seattle Storm, she appeared in 56 games, averaging 4.4 points and 2.6 rebounds.
Accolades
Charles’ trophy case reflects her excellence on the court.
In college, she earned three-time First Team All-Big Ten selections from 2018 to 2020, AP Preseason All-American honors in 2019, Big Ten Player of the Year in the preseason of 2019, and two-time All-American recognition with Third Team in 2020 and Honorable Mention in 2019.
She also won two Big Ten Tournament titles in 2017 and 2020 and four regular-season championships.
During her high school career, she was named a McDonald’s All-American in 2016, Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year in 2016, and was a key contributor to two state titles and a national championship.
In the WNBA, she was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team in her rookie collegiate year, though her professional accolades are still growing as she continues to establish herself in the league.