Julie Vanloo is living proof that staying focused on your dreams can pay off in the end. The 31-year-old made her WNBA rookie debut in 2024 — years after she made her professional debut in Belgium. Vanloo joined the country's national team and played in EuroBasket 2017, the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics, and EuroBasket 2021 and 2023, all while staying focused on eventually bringing her game to the United States.
The Washington Mystics invited Vanloo to training camp in late 2023. She averaged 7.4 points, 4.3 assists and 1.8 3-pointers made this season and started in 34 of the team's 40 games. Her experience as a seasoned veteran brought a degree of professionalism to her team despite her rookie status, and Vanloo will enter into the Valkyries' inaugural season as a leader.
Vanloo broke franchise records in 2024
Vanloo might not have made her WNBA debut until this past season, but she definitely did not waste the opportunity once she had it. She spent the season breaking record after record for the franchise, quickly becoming the 3-point leader with 72 under her belt. In fact, Vanloo bested the previous record after only her 24th game.
She's also ranked third in franchise history for total assists and was 13th in total points halfway through the 2024 season. In other words, Vanloo hit the WNBA meaning business.
Vanloo surprised the Mystics with her skills
The Mystics knew about Vanloo long before they drafted her, The Next reported in May. The longtime Belgian star had harbored hopes of playing in the WNBA for years, but she wasn't sure if that dream would ever be realized.
Former Mystics head coach Eric Thibault told the outlet, "I wouldn’t have guessed maybe five or six years ago that she was going to turn out to be this level of player." Her agents had also told her that the WNBA might not be in her future — but Vanloo didn't give up on the goal.
When she was finally drafted, Vanloo's expected role was to be back-up for Brittney Sykes. After Skyes was injured in the team's first 2024 game, Vanloo had to step in, something everyone was grateful for. As former teammate Emily Engstler told The Next, "I look up to Julie. I think she’s a great leader, and I think that she’s someone who deserves to be here and has shown that every single day."