Arlington, TX –The Dallas Wings have re-signed forward Karima Christmas-Kelly, the team announced today. Per team policy, terms of the agreement have not been disclosed.
“Karima’s return is another important step in our organization’s quest to build a winning basketball team that can ultimately compete for a WNBA Championship,” Wings President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Bibb said. “Karima’s athleticism, versatility and experience makes her a valuable member of our roster and a leader in our locker room. We are excited to have her back in Dallas.”
This year, Christmas-Kelly will start her eighth WNBA season overall and fourth with the franchise. During the 2017 campaign she served as co-captain of the team, helping lead the Wings to their first playoff appearance since the organization moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The 6-foot forward started all 34 games, averaging 10.4 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per contest.
“Karima is a great defensive specialist and an explosive scorer, that continues to be a strong leader on the court,” said head coach Fred Williams. “Her efficiency and ability to play multiple positions on both ends of the floor makes her a triple threat player, which is invaluable to us. She’s an all-around player who our fans and community admire, and we couldn’t be happier that she will continue her career with the Dallas Wings.”
Christmas-Kelly joined the franchise in 2011 and appeared in 17 games after signing with the team in July of that year. Following the 2011 season, she joined the Indiana Fever for three years, before returning to the team in 2015, where she started in 32 games, and averaged a career-best 10.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per outing. In 2016, Christmas-Kelly posted a career-best in points per game with 12.4 and in rebounds with 5.9.
“Last season was a great run for us, and coming into this season, I know we have the right pieces in place to make that run even longer,” said Christmas-Kelly. “I truly enjoy working with Coach Williams, he has such great knowledge of the game, and works so well with us in making sure that we are perfecting our crafts and taking our game to the next level. I’m excited to be part of this team.”
Born in Long Beach, Calif., and raised in Houston, Texas, Christmas-Kelly was drafted by the Washington Mystics as the 23rd pick of the second round of the 2011 WNBA Draft. In her career she has played in 229 games and started in 137, averaging 8.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per outing while playing 23.1 minutes per game.
