Seattle Storm guard Nika Muhl is keeping spirits high despite another tough injury setback. The 2024 WNBA first-round pick recently shared a sizzling swimsuit photo from her native Croatia, and the internet—especially WNBA fans—went absolutely wild.
Muhl, who was selected 14th overall in the 2024 draft, has been dealt a brutal hand on the injury front. She tore her ACL in October 2024 while playing for Turkish club Besiktas, and then—just as she was working her way back—she suffered a second ACL tear in March 2026 while representing Croatia in FIBA Women’s EuroBasket Qualifiers. The Storm confirmed the injury: “Nika Mühl suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her right knee during a game on March 11, 2026, while playing for Croatia. She underwent successful surgery on March 31, 2026, to repair the ligament and will miss the 2026 WNBA Season.”
But if you thought that would keep her down, think again. Muhl posted a series of vacation snaps from Croatia this week, including one where she rocks a stylish swimsuit by the water. The response was immediate and overwhelming. “Absolute goddess,” one fan wrote. “God bless you enjoy the summer to the max,” another added. A third didn’t hold back: “Nika why are you so fine.” The photo has been shared widely across social media, with fans rallying behind the young guard during her recovery.
Muhl’s path to the WNBA was built on a stellar college career at UConn, where she averaged 5.8 points and 5.2 assists per game. While she wasn’t a high-volume scorer, her defensive tenacity earned her two Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors. That defensive pedigree is what made her a coveted prospect, and the Storm saw enough to draft her in the first round.
During her rookie season in Seattle, Muhl didn’t get a huge role—she played sparingly as the team worked her into the rotation. But her future just got a lot more interesting. In the 2026 expansion draft, Muhl was selected by the Portland Fire. That means when she’s healthy, she’ll have a fresh start and a chance to prove she belongs as a key contributor on a new team.
Muhl’s resilience is already on full display. She’s taking recovery day by day, and the Storm have said updates on her progress will be shared publicly. For now, she’s enjoying some downtime in her home country, and fans are loving every bit of it. The swimsuit photo has become a rallying point—a reminder that even in the midst of a grueling rehab, Muhl is still radiating confidence and star power.
Her story echoes the kind of swimsuit photo buzz that tennis star Genie Bouchard generated at the French Open, showing how athletes can command attention even when they’re not on the court. And like Sophie Cunningham’s recent fan encounter, it highlights the intense connection—and sometimes boundary issues—between WNBA players and their supporters.
For now, Muhl is focused on healing. But if this photo is any indication, she’s already winning the offseason. WNBA fans can’t wait to see her back in action—and maybe in a Portland Fire uniform—when she’s ready.
