Whether it be on the basketball court or in the classroom, Serena Sundell is always on top! The six-foot-two guard from Maryville, Missouri, has carved an exceptional path for herself over at Kansas State. Whenever anyone talks about consistency at the Division I level, her name is sure to pop up. Over four years, she became the program’s all-time leader in games played, assists, and single-season assists. Not to mention, she was the first Big 12 player to score 1700+ points and get 800+ assists in their career.

Unfortunately, her collegiate career ended on a low note. After a heartbreaking loss to the USC Trojans in the Sweet Sixteen, the Wildcats star declared for the WNBA draft and ended up getting drafted by the Seattle Storm as the 26th overall pick. The expectations are high. And for obvious reasons. Basketball and athleticism are in her blood — we are talking family and impressive roots.

Who are Serena Sundell’s parents? What is their nationality?

Though Serena Sundell’s parents aren’t the only reason she’s so good at what she does, they did play a huge part in it! Serena’s parents, Bob and Korena Sundell, are Missouri natives and about as athletic as they come.

They are American nationals, residing in Maryville, Missouri, and have represented their colleges — Northwest Missouri State and Missouri S&T — in various sports. Their athletic prowess gives us a good idea of where Serena gets it from. “Of course, my parents were my first coaches and I could not be more blessed to have the parents that I do,” she says. From track and field to basketball, they had everything covered!

Who is Serena Sundell’s father Bob Sundell?

Explosive. That’s the word you would use to describe Bob Sundell in his prime. While he is now known for being an exceptional attorney and loving father, the Northwest Missouri State alum was a beast in his heyday. He stood at about six-foot-seven, towering over his competition with his imposing frame. But he would not take advantage of that with just one sport.

Bob took up basketball, as well as high-jump, after he made it as a Bearcat. In basketball, he was a strong interior presence, recording over 1000+ points and  500+ rebounds in his career. Not to mention, he got several All-MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association) nods at his alma mater.

However, his biggest achievement came through his track days! Serena’s father set several school records in high-jump, crossing the threshold of 7’5.25″ outdoors, and 6’10.25 indoors. After all of his achievements both on the basketball court, and on the track, NMSU and MIAA inducted him into their respective hall-of-fames. His prowess on the track earned him a spot in the 1988 US Olympic trials, but he narrowly missed out on the opportunity.

After graduating from NMSU, Bob went to University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law, to one day become an attorney. The six-foot-seven big man founded his own law firm in 1996–Anderson, Sundell, and Skinner PC. His specialization is in criminal offenses, accident-related cases, as well as real-estate and bankruptcies.

Who is Serena Sundell’s mother Korena Sundell?

“They probably have pretty good genetics, more from their mom than their dad.” When someone as athletic and competitive as Bob Sundell says this, you know it’s true! Korena Sundell, wife to Bob, and the mother of Jalen and Serena, was an athletic freak in her own right. The Missouri S&T alum was an amazing basketball player, and was an even better athlete!

Even though detailed stats from her time in college aren’t available, Serena’s mother was an absolute legend. After her career at Missouri-Rollins, now known as S&T, she even went professional. She was the first professional athlete in the Sundell family, having played for the St. Louis River Queens in the now-defunct WBA. The league offered minimal compensation, about $50 a day, but it gave her the experience she needed to mold her kids into something great!

After her career, she took up several jobs. Firstly, she worked as an aerobics instructor with the Maryville Parks and Recreation. Afterwards, she shifted to a more administrative role at Maryville High School in 2019. There’s no doubt that the athletic base that she provided, and the motivation that she gave her kids is a huge reason for their success. She tried pushing Serena towards NDSU, advertising it because of her brother already being there, however she respected her daughter’s final decision.

Does Serena Sundell have any siblings who are athletes?

Well, yes. Serena has an elder brother, and it’s not who you’d expect! Jalen Sundell, the former starting center for NDSU, stands proud at six-foot-five inches tall. He is currently representing the Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. Jalen often jokes about being the worst athlete in the family, and it makes sense.

His collegiate career was quite impressive, and led to a pro opportunity at the biggest level imaginable. However, he’s also a caring brother! While Serena was growing up, he’d always be on her case about eating her meat and veggies. Not to mention, he supported her choice when she chose KSU over Fargo.

Now, the sibling duo has the same city under debut performances of their professional career. “My parents are thrilled, I’m thrilled. It’ll be perfect,” Sundell said about Seattle as her destination.