LOS ANGELES — WNBA rising star Cameron Brink lit up the Wheel of Fortune stage on Tuesday with her signature poise, resilience, and infectious charisma. Representing the Los Angeles Sparks and playing for her own philanthropic initiative, Brink not only showed off her puzzle-solving chops but also gave fans a deeper glimpse into her inspiring story, both on and off the court.
Brink, who was the second overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft out of Stanford, suffered a devastating torn ACL and meniscus injury while playing at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut just short of a year ago. On Wheel of Fortune, she addressed the setback with a smile: “It’s all surgically repaired,” she said confidently, her tone both optimistic and composed. Her presence alone spoke volumes about her determination to bounce back and continue to inspire.
The show wasn’t just about spinning the wheel for cash; Brink used the platform to highlight her passion for empowering the next generation of female athletes. She played for the Next22 Foundation, a program under the Players Philanthropy Fund that she runs annually in Oregon. The camp aims to encourage and train young girls in basketball, promoting confidence, discipline, and leadership through sport. “I wouldn’t be where I am without the women who came before me,” Brink said, giving credit to the trailblazers who paved the way in women’s sports and specifically for the growth of the WNBA.
Playing alongside actor Justin Long (representing Smile Train) and actress Rachael Harris (playing for UCP of Central Florida), Brink started modestly, banking just $5,000 in the early rounds. A mid-game bankruptcy could have rattled anyone, but Brink remained upbeat and engaged, charismatic as ever in her stylish outfit and signature natural charm.
In a delightful moment of camaraderie with host Pat Sajak, Brink revealed her surprising connection to NBA superstar Steph Curry. “Our moms were roommates at Virginia Tech,” she shared, earning warm reactions from the audience and viewers at home. It was a reminder of the tight-knit bonds in the basketball world, and Brink’s place within it.
Despite the early setbacks, Brink rebounded with grace, solving one especially fitting puzzle: “Championship Trophy.” Laughing, she said, “I had to get that one.” It was a poignant nod to her competitive spirit and ambition to return to championship contention, both with the Sparks and in life.
Brink ended the night with $17,000 in winnings, but thanks to the show’s charitable structure, she took home $30,000 for the Next22 Foundation. Long finished with $67,500, and Harris with $47,700, making it a generous night for all the featured causes.
More than a basketball star, Cameron Brink proved herself a role model and advocate for young women everywhere. Her Wheel of Fortune appearance was a celebration not only of her tenacity but of the legacy she’s building far beyond the hardwood.
Fans eager to see the Los Angeles Sparks back in action can tune in this Friday, June 6, when the team faces the Dallas Wings at 6:30 PM PST. It’s an opportunity for the Sparks to rally and for supporters to cheer them on as they continue their season.
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