Nika Muhl Resurrects Cool Nickname With 'Elite' Play During Storm-Wings

WNBA rookie Nika Muhl has been on the sideline for much of her rookie season with the Seattle Storm. The first-year player out of UConn has averaged 2.1 minutes through the Storm's 13-6 record. She finally hit the floor early in the fourth quarter in Seattle's 95-71 victory over the Dallas Wings, leading fans to bring back her popularized nickname.

Fans are calling Muhl the "secretary of defense," resurrecting a nickname she had with the Huskies.

Muhl deflected a pass that ultimately resulted in a shot-clock violation for the Wings. She was active on the defensive end, showing her awareness on the hardwood.

The Croatian native was drafted in the second round of the 2024 WNBA draft. She was stamped as a defensive specialist after spending four seasons with the Huskies at the collegiate level.

Mar 11, 2024; Uncasville, CT, USA; UConn Huskies guard Nika Muhl (10) reacts after her three point basket against the Georgetown Hoyas in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. © David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

During her time with UConn, Muhl was awarded a 2x Big East Defensive Player of the Year and 2x AP All-America Honorable Mention.

The "secretary of defense" has shown flashes of elite play, like her deflection against the Wings, but Muhl has yet to carve a major role with a deep team like the Storm.

Seattle has one of the best backcourts in the league with Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith. They're currently listed as the No. 2 team in the Western Conference standings, riding a four-game win streak.