Belgian guard Julie Vanloo made an unforgettable entrance into the WNBA on Tuesday night, becoming only the sixth Belgian player in league history to appear in a regular-season game — and she wasted no time making her mark.
In her debut for the Washington Mystics, the 31-year-old stunned fans with a jaw-dropping half-court buzzer-beater to close out the third quarter, a moment that instantly became one of the highlights of the league’s opening night.
Despite the Mystics’ 80–85 loss to the New York Liberty, Vanloo’s long-range miracle shot quickly became the most talked-about play of the game.
Vanloo logged nearly 13 minutes on the floor (12:47), contributing three points, one rebound, and four assists in a poised and confident first appearance. On the opposing side, Liberty star Jonquel Jones led all scorers with 25 points, powering New York to the narrow win.
For Vanloo, the night marked a major milestone. The Ostend-born point guard officially earned her place on Washington’s 12-player roster on Monday, joining a franchise that captured the 2019 WNBA championship with fellow Belgians Emma Meesseman — the Finals MVP — and Kim Mestdagh.
Her debut performance not only showcased her playmaking ability but also signaled that Belgian basketball continues to leave its mark on the world stage.
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