VanSlooten’s Selection Marks Third WNBA Draft Pick in IMG Academy History

BRADENTON, Fla.(April 13, 2026)– IMG Academy the world’s leading sports education brand, had its third alumnus drafted at the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City, with former student-athlete Grace VanSlooten as the No.39 overall by the Seattle Storm. VanSlooten’s selection marks the second consecutive year an IMG Academy alumnae was selected in the WNBA Draft, following Aicha Coulibaly’s selection.

“At IMG Academy, we are committed to elevating the experience of our female student-athletes,” said Mike Gillian, Director of Basketball. “Seeing Grace become our third alumna drafted into the WNBA, and building on alumnae like Aicha Coulibaly and Arella Guirantes, reflects the continued growth of our girls’ program and our investment in preparing student-athletes to succeed at the highest level.”

VanSlooten, an IMG Academy class of 2022 graduate and McDonald's All-American, was a part of a dominant class at IMG Academy that included McDonald's All-Americans Jaden Bradley, Jarace Walker, and Keyonte George. IMG Academy now has 23 former basketball program draftees, between the NBA and WNBA, with 15 currently active.

IMG Academy’s basketball program has seen remarkable success across all levels in recent years. This past season, 43 alumni participated in the 2026 Division I basketball tournament, including three in the final four. At the high school level, IMG Academy celebrated historic achievements during the 2024–25 season. The girls’ national team won their first-ever Chipotle National Championship, marking a landmark year for the program.

About IMG Academy

IMG Academy is the world's leading sports education brand, providing a holistic education model that empowers student-athletes to win their future, preparing them for college and for life. IMG Academy provides growth opportunities for all student-athletes through an innovative suite of on-campus and online experiences:

• Boarding school and camps, via a state-of-the-art campus in Bradenton, Fla.
• Online coaching via IMG Academy+, with a focus on personal development through the lens of sport and performance
• Online college recruiting, via NCSA and Sports Recruits, providing unmatched college recruiting education and services to student-athletes and their families, club coaches, and event operators, and is the premier service for college coaches.

To learn more about IMG Academy and its on-campus and online experiences, visit www.imgacademy.com.