Sarah Ashlee Barker (No. 13) of the Los Angeles Sparks takes pride in her Crimson Tide roots. (Photo: Ron Jenkins | Getty Images)
Sarah Ashlee Barker’s journey to the WNBA started in an unexpected place: a backyard in Alabama, where a young girl refused to back down from her brothers in games of tackle football and pickup basketball.
In 2025, Barker is making a name for herself on the West Coast as the ninth overall pick for the Los Angeles Sparks, carrying with her the same grit and determination forged in those early days.
“I started playing basketball when I was six,” Barker said. “I have a twin brother, and so my mom asked us if we wanted to go play rec basketball at the YMCA. My twin brother said ‘Yes,’ and I was like, ‘No. I don’t wanna play basketball.’ And then I saw him. I went to one of his practices, I was like, ‘Wait. I kinda wanna play.’”
That competitive fire has burned brightly ever since.
Barker, who played boys’ basketball until middle school, credits those formative experiences for her relentless hustle and tenacity on the court. “They didn’t ever give me anything easy,” she said of her three brothers. “That’s where my hustle and effort comes into play.”
Though she admired players like Kobe Bryant growing up, it wasn’t about copying anyone’s style—it was about emulating that famed “Mamba Mentality.”
“I’m a huge Kobe Bryant fan,” Barker said. “Just like his Mamba Mentality… that’s always kinda what I tried to incorporate into my training and how hard I played too.”
Before she was donning the purple and gold of Los Angeles, Barker was one of the key leaders at the University of Alabama, where she developed not just as a player, but as a person. Her time with the Crimson Tide was instrumental in sharpening her skills and deepening her sense of accountability.
“They pushed us every single day on the court,” Barker said. “If you were going to practice, you weren’t gonna be able to just slack off anytime.”
Alabama’s coaching staff challenged Barker to grow in every area of her game, simplifying the technical side of basketball and encouraging her to master fundamentals like playing off two feet and improving her shooting. On defense, Barker leaned on her natural drive and bought into the importance of scouting and preparation.
“They did a good job of making sure that we knew our personnel, knew our scout, and knew our game plan,” she said.
But her growth wasn’t limited to the hardwood.
“They wanted us to be good people too,” Barker said. “That was their goal. It was like, ‘Hey. We’re gonna develop you as a basketball player, but we’re also gonna develop you as a person.’”
That well-rounded philosophy is something Barker still carries with her—an understanding that talent and integrity are not mutually exclusive, especially in a league built on empowerment and purpose.
Barker’s breakout moment came during the 2025 NCAA Tournament when Alabama squared off with Maryland in one of the tournament’s most thrilling games. Barker dropped 45 points, but it was her demeanor—particularly in the aftermath of a heartbreaking loss—that won her widespread admiration.
“For me, it was one of those things where I think that’s where your character shines the most,” Barker said. “People look at you the most is when you fail.”
In that moment, Barker leaned on her faith. “I’m a firm believer in God’s plan and what He has for me,” she said. “It was an opportunity for me to express who I am.”
Sarah Ashlee Barker (No. 13) of the Los Angeles Sparks earned the praises of an iconic NBA legend after being drafted ninth overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft. (Photo: Ron Jenkins | Getty Images)
While her stat line turned heads, Barker made sure to share the spotlight with her teammates.
“It wasn’t just about my 45 points,” she said. “I wouldn’t be able to go at 45 if I didn’t have the best shooter in the country on my team with Aaliyah Nye… it was just a chance for our whole team to get recognized.”
That game helped solidify Barker’s first-round status in the 2025 WNBA Draft, and she soon found herself in Los Angeles, ready to make an impact. Making the final roster—no small feat in the WNBA—was an emotional moment for the Alabama native.
“When I saw it, my brother actually sent it into our family group chat,” Barker said, referencing a shoutout she received from none other than Magic Johnson. “Just growing up, he was such a figure in basketball and still is. For what he does for us, it meant a lot.”
Transitioning to the professional ranks can be daunting, but Barker found immediate support in a veteran teammate who took her under her wing.
“Definitely KP,” Barker said, referring to Kelsey Plum. “She’s done a great job from when I got drafted to when I got to training camp. She’s really just been in my ear and been there for me for anything on and off the floor.”
That guidance has been critical, especially in a league that demands so much in such a condensed season.
“She holds me accountable in a way that I like,” Barker said. “We have that relationship where she can be hard on me, I take it in the right way because I know it’s coming from love and respect.”
It’s clear that Barker is soaking up every opportunity to learn and grow, and she’s doing it with a level of humility and maturity that belies her rookie status.
Though she now plays thousands of miles away from home, Barker still represents her state with pride.
“It means a lot just being able to represent Alabama,” she said. “Being able to show young girls in the state… ‘Hey. You can live up to your dreams.’”
Her journey has not been a solo endeavor. Barker is quick to point to her support system—family, friends, and those who stuck by her through the highs and lows.
“A lot of people see all the good,” she said. “But being able to have a support system that was there through thick and thin, that’s what got me to where I am. I would go to war for the people that have supported me.”
From Alabama to California, Sarah Ashlee Barker’s journey to the WNBA has taken her to a thriving Los Angeles Sparks organization. (Photo: Ron Jenkins | Getty Images)
Off the court, Barker makes time to recharge and reflect. Her love for sports extends beyond basketball, and when she’s not in the gym, she’s likely outside, soaking up the sun.
“Anytime that I can go outside and tan or play pickleball or walk around… I love the beach,” she said. “It always puts me in a good mood.”
Equally important is her faith, a steady presence in her life and career. It’s that balance—between work and rest, competition and character—that makes Barker a unique and compelling figure in today’s WNBA.
In a league where roster spots are precious and pressure is high, Sarah Ashlee Barker is making every moment count. Whether it’s a conversation with a legend, a hard-nosed practice with a teammate, or a quiet moment under the sun, she’s embracing the ride with heart, hustle, and humility.
And just like she did when she was six, she’s still saying ‘yes’—and now, she’s making her mark on the game she once doubted.
Editor’s Notes
Thanks so much for taking the time to read this exclusive feature on Los Angeles Sparks guard Sarah Ashlee Barker. I hope you enjoyed getting to know more about her path, mindset, and the impact she’s already making in the WNBA. If you’d like to hear our full one-on-one phone conversation, the complete audio interview is available for playback in the article!
