Crystal Langhorne Retires, Joins Storm Front Office as Director of Community Engagement, Force4Change
February 8, 2021 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Seattle Storm News Release
SEATTLE - The Seattle Storm announced today the retirement of two-time WNBA champion, two-time WNBA All-Star Crystal Langhorne after a 13-year professional career. Langhorne has been a key contributor to the last two Storm championships, as well as a leader on and off the court.
In addition, the Seattle Storm announced today Langhorne's hiring into the inaugural position of Director of Community Engagement for the Force4Change initiative. The Storm created this social justice platform in 2020 to combat racism and support diversity, equity, and inclusion. Langhorne will collaborate with ownership, leadership, players, and community partners to promote the Storm's engagement in supporting meaningful change in our local community.
This opportunity for a player to transition from her on-court career to an off-court role is one of the first in the WNBA to focus on social justice and will serve as a model for other organizations seeking ways for professional athletes to transition to the front office.
"Crystal made vital contributions as a member of the Storm both on-court and off-court, efforts that led to two WNBA Championships. We could not be more thrilled to welcome her as she joins our front office team in a brand new role, which will build on her leadership experience and talents as we enter the second year of focused efforts to fight racism in this country," said Alisha Valavanis, Storm CEO and General Manager. "It is exciting to take this first step to combine our commitment to our Force4Change work with our commitment to forward our players' post-on-court careers with Crystal at the helm of this effort."
"I am thrilled to be working with the Storm in this new role," Langhorne said. "I truly believe in the Force4Change initiative and I'm ready to help create meaningful change. Our organization has shown its dedication to fighting racism and I'm honored to be able to continue that fight."
Langhorne has been with Seattle since 2014 when she joined via a trade with the Washington Mystics. The two-time WNBA all-star, drafted No. 6 in the first round of the 2008 draft, has made her mark on the league. During her career, she was one of the most efficient shooters in the league, averaging over 55% in field goal percentage, including a blistering 64.7% in 2017.
During the 2020 season, Langhorne was one of the Storm players who helped formulate the franchise's social justice initiative known as Force4Change. She is a passionate and tireless advocate in the fight against racism and is ideally positioned to support investment in and amplification of the Black community and the broader BIPOC community.
The Storm created Force4Change to serve as an everlasting platform from which to launch programs and policies which support anti-racism and the BIPOC communities. In partnership with the WNBA and Storm corporate and community partners, Force4Change will be a key priority in the upcoming season and well beyond.
"Crystal's natural leadership and deep commitment to combating racism will provide knowledge and motivation to our organization. It is inspiring to have her passion and experience as a player added to our leadership team." Storm co-owner Dawn Trudeau said.Â
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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from February 8, 2021
- Seattle Storm Signs Seven-Time All-Star Candice Dupree - Seattle Storm
- Crystal Langhorne Retires, Joins Storm Front Office as Director of Community Engagement, Force4Change - Seattle Storm
- Allisha Gray Signs Multi-Year Contract with Wings - Dallas Wings
- Sparks Re-Sign All-WNBA Defender Brittney Sykes - Los Angeles Sparks
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