Julie Vanloo Shines in Emotional Liberty Debut After Uncertain WNBA Future

The New York Liberty opened their 2026 regular season in emphatic fashion, cruising to a 106-75 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Friday night. The win marked a strong statement from a team aiming to build early momentum following a competitive preseason.

While the margin of victory drew attention, much of the postgame focus centered on guard Julie Vanloo, whose path to the Liberty lineup had been anything but straightforward. Her arrival came only after a turbulent stretch that nearly led her to step away from the WNBA entirely.

Vanloo had been waived earlier in the week by the Los Angeles Sparks, a setback that prompted her to seriously consider returning to Belgium and stepping away from professional basketball. The decision weighed heavily on her following a demanding stretch of international and training camp commitments.

Instead of leaving the league, she chose to continue her career after conversations with her family, ultimately joining the Liberty and delivering an immediate impact in her debut.

1. Emotional Turnaround and Immediate Impact

Vanloo’s debut with New York came under unusual circumstances, as she signed with the team on the same day she took the court. Despite the rapid turnaround, she produced one of the most complete performances of the night. She finished with 12 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, showcasing her ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game while quickly adapting to a new system and environment. Her presence stabilized the Liberty’s second unit, with her playmaking helping maintain offensive flow while the starters rested. For a player who had recently questioned her future in the sport, the performance represented a striking turnaround in both form and confidence.

2. A Difficult Week Behind the Scenes

Following the game, Vanloo spoke candidly about the emotional strain of the past several days, describing it as one of the most challenging periods of her career. She acknowledged that she had seriously considered stepping away from basketball after being released, citing exhaustion from a long season overseas and the physical and mental toll of training camp in Los Angeles. Vanloo explained that conversations with her family played a key role in her decision to continue playing, helping her reassess her situation and regain perspective. She described the experience as overwhelming but ultimately reaffirming, noting that support from loved ones helped her push through uncertainty and remain in the league.

3. New Beginning With the Liberty

Vanloo’s journey to New York marks another chapter in a career that has already spanned multiple leagues and continents. After playing overseas throughout the 2000s and 2010s, she began her WNBA career in 2024 with the Washington Mystics. Her move to the Liberty represents a fresh opportunity within one of the league’s most competitive rosters, and her debut suggested she may have a meaningful role to play moving forward. Team officials signed her just in time for the opener, and her immediate contribution added depth and stability to an already talented backcourt rotation. Looking ahead, Vanloo is expected to continue competing for a consistent role as New York prepares for its next matchup against the Washington Mystics on Sunday afternoon.