Kate Starbird is a distinguished former professional basketball player and an accomplished academic. Her basketball career began at Stanford University, where she made a significant impact as a shooting guard and small forward. Starbird set the all-time scoring record for the Stanford Cardinal with 2,215 points, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication. She was honored as the Naismith College Player of the Year in 1997 and played a pivotal role in leading her team to three consecutive Final Four appearances from 1995 to 1997.

Following her collegiate success, Starbird transitioned to professional basketball, playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and the American Basketball League (ABL) from 1997 to 2006. Her career included stints with teams such as the Seattle Reign, Sacramento Monarchs, and Utah Starzz, where she showcased her skills on both national and international stages. Starbird’s contributions to the sport were recognized through multiple accolades, including All-American honors and a reputation as a fierce competitor.

In addition to her athletic achievements, Starbird pursued an academic career, earning a doctorate in technology, media, and society from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2012. She joined the University of Washington’s Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, where she focuses on crisis informatics, studying the role of social media in disaster communication and disinformation.

Starbird’s unique blend of sports and academic expertise positions her as a leader in both fields. Her journey reflects a commitment to excellence, whether on the court or in the classroom, inspiring future generations of athletes and scholars alike.