After missing the Olympics due to testing positive for COVID-19, Seattle Storm forward Katie Lou Samuelson is ready to get back to work.
Samuelson will join the Storm as they face off against the Connecticut Sun on Thursday in the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup championship game.
“I’ve been doing a lot more every single day, feeling better,” Samuelson told Mechelle Voepel. “I’m excited to start playing again.”
Samuelson tested positive for COVID-19 just before departing for Tokyo, where she would have been part of the 3×3 basketball team. While Samuelson says she did experience some symptoms, she’s been able to get back to practicing and is excited to get back to playing in games.
“I’m just happy to get going again in games,” she said. “It’s been a really long couple of weeks, so it’s nice to have something to focus on.
“These past few days, I’ve gotten some good work in. The biggest thing is getting my lungs back and getting my body feeling like I can play for long times again.”
Samuelson said she’s also excited to just get in a couple more practices before Thursday’s game.
“Nothing mimics a game exactly, so it will be interesting to see those first couple of minutes how my wind is. And just how I feel. Just the adrenaline and excitement of playing again will be a lot and help me get through it.”
Storm coach Noelle Quinn was quick to commend Samuelson for her approach, saying that she’s “looked amazing” since stepping back onto the court.