Katie Lou Samuelson’s new chapter with the Seattle Storm was supposed to be one for redemption, after a disappointing year at Indiana. She had averaged just 4.3 points on 33.0 percent shooting and eventually lost her spot in the starting lineup. So, at a place where the young guard had hit a career-best 45.6 percent from three while starting 24 of 27 games in 2021, she was looking to bounce back. But her story came to a heartbreaking halt with a brutal ACL tear, sidelining her for the entire season.

Interestingly, though, even if she won’t be taking the court, Katie Lous Samuelson will be eagerly watching this WNBA season. And maybe not just supporting her new franchise. Why? Let’s find out. 

All About Katie Lou Samuelson’s Parents

The Seattle Storm guard was born to Jon and Karen Samuelson on 13 June 1997. And the athletic genes you see, didn’t just come by.

Jon was a basketball player at California State, Fullerton, and professionally in Europe thereafter. Even if he quit playing professionally at some point, the father of three passed on his knowledge. He taught them different shooting forms, watched them as they played one-on-one, and intervened when the fouls got out of hand. He has been a part of his daughters’ journey through and through, and if you are at one of Katie’s games, you are likely to catch him in the audience. 

Karen, on the other hand, was a netball player herself from England. She is someone who isn’t afraid of taking a stand for her daughters. Back in 2019, she called out the Chicago Sky coach right on X after he’d said Samuelson was his team’s long-term solution, while it wasn’t really communicated with the player herself.

That’s Katie Lou Samuelson’s parents. While much isn’t available on their professions, we know they have been a rock for their children.

Does Katie Lou Samuelson have siblings?

Yes, Katie Lou Samuelson is the youngest of 3 sisters. Bonnie, the eldest, played a little basketball herself in college and on the international stage before deciding to study optometry. She also majored in human biology during her time at Stanford. Interestingly, she shared that in common with her sister, Karlie, who played for the Cardinals, too. 

As of 2025, Karlie has been in the WNBA for 7 years, playing 6 seasons. During the off-season, while Katie moved from Indiana to Seattle, Karlie joined the Minnesota Lynx after a year-long stint in Washington.

What is Katie Lou Samuelson’s parents’ nationality?

The father of three completed his college in California and raised his family alongside Karen in the state, namely, Huntington Beach. With nothing on the public forum suggesting otherwise, we can assume Jon Samuelson is of American nationality.

As for Katie’s mother, she is British, having made the All-England Netball Team. Her citizenship has also allowed both Karlie and Bonnie represent Great Britain on the international stage. Katie, however, stuck with the US instead, making the 2020 Olympics’ 3×3 team, but she had to sit out after contracting COVID-19 just days ahead of the game.

Is Seattle Storm Star Related to Karlie Samuelson?

Yes. Katie Lou Samuelson and Karlie Samuelson are sisters by blood. Both played a part in their school basketball at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana. Then, Karlie Lou went on to play at Stanford while Katie Lou played at Connecticut. The timelines, however, do not clash much. Katie played from the 2015-16 season to 2018-19, while Karlie started in 2013-14 and finished in 2017. That didn’t leave them much room to face each other. So it was only in the WNBA that they found that opportunity. 

“I’m excited to see her, to play her,” Katie Lou had said in 2024. “… I’m gonna try to use my knowledge of playing against her to …my advantage.” On the other hand, Karlie had different feelings: “I don’t particularly like it..… I’m someone that wants her to do really well and she wants the same for me, so it’s not the most fun, I will say that, but … you’re a professional at that point.”

Prior to those comments, the two sisters had faced each other only twice, with both games resulting in wins for Katie Lou. But between Karlie and Katie Lou, Samuelson had collectively played nine seasons in the WNBA, representing five different franchises. 

As for the 2025 season, there will be no head-to-head matchups with Katie Lou out due to an injury. But Karlie will be heavily involved with the title contenders Minnesota Lynx.