Kahleah Copper’s next honor cements her place among Rutgers’ greats

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Apr 29, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) against Japan during a WNBA preseason game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

PHOENIX — Kahleah Copper’s basketball journey from Rutgers to the Phoenix Mercury is about to add another milestone.


Copper will officially take her place in the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. The honor is a reminder of where one of the Mercury’s biggest stars began.

The guard finished her Rutgers career with 1,872 points, ranking third on the program’s all-time scoring list. She led the Scarlet Knights in scoring in each of her final three seasons and was a two-time Second Team All-Big Ten selection.

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Mar 9, 2014; Uncasville, CT, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Kahleah Copper (2) shoots against Connecticut Huskies forward Breanna Stewart (30) during the second half in the semifinal round of the American League Athletic Conference Tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena. UConn defeated Rutgers 83-57. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The guard also helped Rutgers win the 2014 WNIT championship and was named tournament MVP. Those accomplishments helped establish the foundation for what Copper would eventually become in the WNBA.

Copper would find success in Chicago with the Sky, winning a championship and the 2021 WNBA Finals MVP.

Then came her arrival in the Valley.

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Mar 9, 2014; Uncasville, CT, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Kahleah Copper (2) looks for an opening against the Connecticut Huskies during the second half in the semifinal round of the American League Athletic Conference Tournament at Mohegan Sun Arena. UConn defeated Rutgers 83-57. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Mercury acquired Copper in February 2024, making her a centerpiece of the franchise’s future. In her first season with the Mercury, Copper averaged a career-high 21.1 points per game, finished third in the league in scoring and earned her first All-WNBA honor. She also won Olympic gold with Team USA that summer.

Since arriving in Phoenix, Copper has continued to establish herself as one of the faces of the Mercury. Her scoring, toughness and competitive edge have made her a key part of the team’s identity, while her experience as a champion has given Phoenix a proven leader to build around.

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Jul 17, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Kahleah Copper (2) against the Connecticut Sun at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Now, Copper’s Rutgers legacy is officially being cemented, while her story in Phoenix continues to be written.

The induction will take place on Oct. 2 at Jersey Mike’s Arena, with the class recognized Oct. 3 when Rutgers football hosts Indiana.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde​

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