Range Sports, the prominent Hollywood management-production company, is making waves in the world of women's basketball. Recently, they have made an exciting announcement that they have signed three WNBA stars and prospects - Isabelle 'Izzy' Harrison, Dearica Hamby, and Elizabeth 'Liz' Kitley. This move signifies a significant shift in the opportunities and prospects available to female athletes, highlighting the growing recognition and support for women's sports.
Izzy Harrison, currently playing as a power forward for the Chicago Sky in the WNBA, has proven herself to be a formidable force on the court. Harrison was drafted in 2015 as the 12th overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury after her successful college career at the University of Tennessee. Over the years, she has also played for the San Antonio Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces) and the Dallas Wings before joining the Chicago Sky as a free agent for the 2023 season. Harrison's skills and talents have earned her a well-deserved reputation in the league.
Another forward and an integral part of the Los Angeles Sparks, Dearica Hamby has also joined Range Sports' roster. With an impressive college career at Wake Forest University, Hamby set records as the all-time leading scorer and rebounder for the women's basketball program. She was chosen as the sixth overall pick by the San Antonio Stars (now Las Vegas Aces) in the 2015 WNBA draft. Hamby's achievements include being voted the WNBA's sixth woman of the year for two consecutive years in 2019 and 2020, as well as earning spots on the 2020 and 2021 WNBA All-Star teams. She also claimed victory at the 2022 Commissioner's Cup and 2022 WNBA Championship as a key player for the Aces. In early 2023, Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she currently plays. Her journey, however, has not been without its challenges. Following the announcement of her second pregnancy, Hamby filed a gender discrimination lawsuit against the Aces and the WNBA, shedding light on the issues surrounding motherhood and pregnancy protection in professional sports.
The third addition to Range Sports' lineup is Elizabeth 'Liz' Kitley, a center for the Virginia Tech Hokies competing in the NCAA's Atlantic Coast Conference. Kitley has proven herself to be a formidable player, receiving accolades such as ACC Freshman of the Year and two-time ACC Player of the Year. Her talent and potential have made her a highly anticipated prospect for the upcoming 2024 WNBA draft, where she is expected to be a first-round pick.
Rheann Engelke, the director of athlete marketing at Range Sports, expressed her excitement about having these three exceptional athletes on board. Engelke recognizes that their impact goes beyond the basketball court, acknowledging their efforts in pushing the boundaries of the sport and women's sports as a whole. Range Sports is committed to providing marketing representation for Harrison, Hamby, and Kitley, aiming to facilitate off-court partnerships, media opportunities, business ventures, and community impact initiatives for each of them.
Range Sports' venture into the realm of women's basketball by signing these WNBA stars and prospect serves as a significant milestone for both the athletes and the industry. The recognition and support they receive highlight the changing landscape of women's sports and the strides being made towards achieving equality and representation. It is an exciting time for women's basketball, and Range Sports' involvement further solidifies their commitment to promoting and uplifting female athletes.
