Top MSU Women’s Basketball Players of All Time: No. 6

Kristin Haynie takes the No. 6 place in the countdown for the best women’s basketball Spartans of all-time. She makes our list for being one of the most successful players in the history of MSU women’s basketball.

The 5-foot-8 guard from Mason, Mich., started her career at MSU in 2001. During her senior year, Haynie and the Spartans had a great season. The team had 33 wins and only four losses during the regular season. The Spartans also made MSU history by making their first appearance in a national championship.

During her senior year, Haynie earned an Associated Press honorable mention All-American, Kansas City Regional Most Outstanding Player, Big Ten Tournament Most Outstanding Player, first-team All-Big Ten, team MVP and was the Spartan Classic MVP..

During Haynie’s career as a Spartan she became MSU’s career leader in assists (574) and steals (346), eighth in school history in points (1,199), 16th in rebounding (601) and the fourth player in Big Ten history to reach career totals of 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists and 300 steals.

After her journey at Michigan State, Haynie entered the WNBA draft and was the ninth overall pick in the league’s 2005 draft. She was picked by Sacramento and helped the Monarchs attain the 2005 WNBA championship.

Haynie was the only player to play in the NCAA finals and the WNBA finals in the same year.

In 2008, Haynie was selected by the Atlanta Dream and played in Greece during the 2008-09 off-season. Haynie went on to play for the Detroit Shock (2009), returned to the Sacramento Monarchs (2009) and the Washington Mystics (2010).

Haynies’ accomplishments and hard work over the years show why she has been named one of the most successful Spartans and why she takes the No. 6 spot.


Jennifer Aldridge is the host of the Merchantaries for Impact Sports.

Photo: Nubia Buckingham/Impact Sports