The upward trend of Northwestern senior center Grace Sullivan’s basketball career continues unabated, and that’s particularly significant at this point.
For the 6-foot-4 Sullivan, a Carmel graduate who seems to improve every season, the WNBA could be the next step.
“If you would’ve said that the WNBA was possible to me even two years ago, I would’ve laughed,” Sullivan said. “I’ve gotten a lot better, so now that’s the end goal that I’m trying to reach and am working hard for every single day.
“It’s crazy to think the WNBA is a possibility now, but it’s something I want to do. I’ve always been told my ceiling is very high.”
Sullivan, who helped Carmel win the Class 3A state title in 2022, recorded 10 double-figure scoring games during her sophomore season at Bucknell. Then she transferred to Northwestern, where she came off the bench most of last season and averaged 10.1 points and 3.8 rebounds.
This season, she is one of the top scorers in NCAA Division I.
Northwestern’s Grace Sullivan (22) shoots a jumper against Wisconsin during a Big Ten game at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune)
Sullivan is averaging 22.1 points, which ranks eighth nationally, along with 6.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals. She scored a career-high 37 points and also had eight rebounds and three steals during the Wildcats’ loss to then-No. 23 Ohio State on Dec. 7.
“After my first couple of games this season, I was like, ‘Wow,’” she said.
Even now, Northwestern women’s basketball coach Joe McKeown says Sullivan hasn’t reached her full potential. McKeown noted that her perimeter game is evolving; she has attempted just one 3-pointer this season.
“Grace can fit in any team’s style,” McKeown said. “She can grind it in the half-court, get her shot off, run and play in transition, or be a shot blocker. There’s a lot of (professional) interest in her.”
How much interest remains to be seen.
“At the end of the season, we will sit down and let her know what people are thinking about and what the interest will be,” McKeown said. “I think she has a chance to be a solid pro.”
Northwestern men’s basketball coach Chris Collins said Sullivan reminds him of NBA legend Tim Duncan, according to McKeown.
“She’s really good with her shot selection and takes her time,” McKeown said. “She’s got that fadeaway and is now almost unguardable.”
Northwestern’s Grace Sullivan (22) celebrates with teammate Casey Harter after a Big Ten win over Wisconsin at Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Eileen T. Meslar / Chicago Tribune)
Sullivan said her time at Northwestern has been a transformative experience that has allowed her to see her family in Antioch and play against top-notch competition.
“I didn’t have many expectations last season, whether I would be starting or how many minutes I would be playing,” she said. “Last year was about putting in the work at a Power Five school and the transition.
“I would be lying if I said I was not nervous at all. I had to prove myself. I was nervous. You have to live up to some sort of expectations. But I had a pure belief in myself.”
Carmel coach Ben Berg can’t wait to see Sullivan’s next act.
“I’m looking forward to watching the rest of her college career and seeing what she will do beyond,” Berg said. “Whether she plays in the WNBA or not, she has put herself in an opportunity to play at the next level.”
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter.
