Bertsch's Professional WNBA Career Journey
The path to sustaining a career in the WNBA is often a rigorous test of resilience and adaptability. For Bertsch, the journey has been marked by perseverance, navigating through multiple teams, training camp challenges, and the volatility of professional rosters.
Key Facts
- Draft Position: Selected 29th overall in the third round of the 2019 WNBA draft.
- First WNBA Start: May 19, 2023, playing for the Chicago Sky against the Minnesota Lynx.
- Teams Played For: Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Phoenix Mercury.
- Career Milestone: Recorded 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists in her first career start.
Early Career and the Dallas Wings
Bertsch entered the professional scene in 2019 when she was selected by the Dallas Wings with the 29th overall pick in the third round of the WNBA draft. However, the transition to the active roster was not immediate. In the years following her selection, she signed training camp contracts—short-term agreements used by teams to evaluate players before the regular season—with both the Dallas Wings and the Connecticut Sun, though she was released before the start of those seasons.
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Breakthrough with the Chicago Sky
A turning point occurred on April 18, 2023, when Bertsch signed a training camp contract with the Chicago Sky. This time, she successfully made the opening day roster. On May 19, 2023, she earned her first career WNBA start in a game against the Minnesota Lynx, contributing 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists in a victory for the Sky.
Her momentum was briefly interrupted during a May game against the Washington Mystics, where she suffered an ankle injury. Despite the setback, she showed her resilience by returning to the court mid-season.
Trade to the Phoenix Mercury
On February 6, 2024, Bertsch was involved in a significant trade. Along with teammate Kahleah Copper, she was traded to the Phoenix Mercury. In exchange, the Chicago Sky received Brianna Turner, Michaela Onyenwere, a 2024 first-round pick, a 2025 second-round pick, a 2026 first-round pick, and a 2026 pick swap.
Bertsch appeared in twelve games during the 2024 season for the Mercury before being waived on June 10, 2024.
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Returning to Dallas and Chicago
Shortly after leaving Phoenix, Bertsch returned to where her professional journey began. On June 19, 2024, she signed a hardship contract—a special WNBA designation allowing teams to sign players when multiple roster members are injured—with the Dallas Wings. She played three games before her contract ended on June 25, 2024.
Her career came full circle on March 3, 2025, when the Chicago Sky announced she had once again signed a training camp contract. However, her second stint with the Sky was short-lived, as she was waived on May 11, 2025.
Career Summary Table
| Team | Period/Date | Status/Role |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Wings | 2019 | Drafted (29th overall) |
| Chicago Sky | 2023 | Opening Day Roster / First Start |
| Phoenix Mercury | 2024 | Traded / Played 12 games |
| Dallas Wings | June 2024 | Hardship Contract |
| Chicago Sky | 2025 | Training Camp Contract |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Bertsch drafted into the WNBA?
Bertsch was selected in the third round of the 2019 WNBA draft as the 29th overall pick by the Dallas Wings.
What were Bertsch's stats in her first WNBA start?
In her first start on May 19, 2023, against the Minnesota Lynx, she recorded 6 points, 2 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Which players were involved in the trade that sent Bertsch to Phoenix?
Bertsch and Kahleah Copper were traded to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for Brianna Turner, Michaela Onyenwere, and several draft picks (2024 first-round, 2025 second-round, 2026 first-round, and a 2026 pick swap).
What is a hardship contract, and when did Bertsch sign one?
A hardship contract is a temporary agreement used when a team has multiple injured players. Bertsch signed one with the Dallas Wings on June 19, 2024.
How many games did Bertsch play for the Phoenix Mercury?
Bertsch played twelve games for the Phoenix Mercury during the 2024 season before being waived on June 10, 2024.