Aerial Powers was born on January 17, 1994, and until just a few hours ago, she was a free agent. She entered the WNBA through the 2016 draft with the Dallas Wings. Since then, she has left a lasting mark with her talent across several franchises.
The early years of Aerial Powers
The player was born in Detroit, Michigan, and has a younger brother named Juan. Before choosing basketball, she practiced boxing, a sport she also enjoyed when she was very young.
In high school, she quickly showcased her quality, leading her team to four consecutive regional championships. That record all but guaranteed her a college scholarship, and Michigan State University granted her the opportunity to continue her studies while developing her game.
College career at Michigan State
Powers spent four years at Michigan State, though her freshman year was lost to an Achilles tendon injury. All she could do was support her teammates from the bench while recovering fully to make her debut the following season.
Her sophomore year, which doubled as her playing debut, highlighted her potential. She averaged 13.8 points per game and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, the Big Ten All-Freshman Team, and shared both Michigan State’s Player of the Year and Spartan Hustle Award.
In her junior year, Powers reached her peak, averaging 21.9 points and 12.1 rebounds per game, recording 24 double-doubles across the season.
Her senior year proved just as strong, with averages of 21.8 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. She was once again named to the All-Big Ten First Team, earning the honor for the third consecutive time, and also received All-American Third Team recognition.
Representing the United States
Her stellar collegiate play earned her a spot on the U.S. roster for the World University Games, held in Seoul, South Korea, in July 2015. The team proved dominant, winning all six games. In the final, they defeated Canada 82-63. While the contest was close through three quarters, Team USA pulled away with a 34-point surge in the fourth.
Arrival in the WNBA
In the 2016 draft, Powers was selected by the Dallas Wings, where she played until 2018. She then joined the Washington Mystics for two seasons.
From there, her career took her through multiple teams:
- Minnesota Lynx (2021-2023)
- Atlanta Dream (2024)
- Golden State Valkyries (early 2025)
- Indiana Fever (rest of 2025)
Signing with the Indiana Fever
On Saturday, August 23, the Indiana Fever announced via social media that they had signed Powers to a seven-day contract. The move comes at a crucial time, as the team has been dealing with multiple injuries, including Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham, who is sidelined for the remainder of the season. Powers is expected to provide much-needed depth as the Fever push toward the postseason.
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