Former Northwestern standout Grace Sullivan is headed to the professional ranks after signing with Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen in Belgium following a dominant 2025-26 season with the Wildcats.
Former Northwestern women's basketball standout Grace Sullivan is taking the next step in her basketball career after signing a professional contract with Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen in Belgium.
The signing marks another milestone for Sullivan while reinforcing Northwestern's growing reputation for developing athletes capable of competing at the professional level.
Sullivan is coming off a dominant 2025-26 season in Evanston, where she established herself as one of the Wildcats' premier players. The forward averaged 21.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 53% from the field, emerging as one of the Big Ten's top offensive threats.
Iowa forward Hannah Stuelke (45) drives to the basket against Northwestern forward Grace Sullivan (22) Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa.Her ability to score efficiently, finish through contact and consistently impact games on both ends of the floor made her one of Northwestern's most valuable players throughout the season. Beyond the statistics, Sullivan provided leadership and experience for the Wildcats while serving as a cornerstone of Northwestern's success.
Before signing overseas, Sullivan also had the opportunity to showcase her abilities at the highest level after receiving an invitation to Dallas Wings training camp. Although she did not earn a roster spot, the invitation gave her valuable experience competing alongside WNBA talent while proving she could compete against some of the game's best players.
Now, Sullivan will continue her professional career with Kangoeroes Basket Mechelen, where she'll have the opportunity to further develop her game against experienced international competition.
For Northwestern, Sullivan's signing is another example of the program's continued ability to prepare players for professional basketball. While many women's basketball careers continue overseas, earning a professional contract remains a significant accomplishment and reflects both a player's talent and years of development.
Sullivan's signing also adds to Northwestern athletics' growing list of professional success stories. In recent weeks alone, former Wildcats Nick Martinelli and Brooks Barnhizer have continued their professional basketball careers, while numerous Northwestern football players have earned opportunities at the professional level.
As more Wildcats continue extending their careers beyond college, Northwestern is strengthening its reputation as a program capable of developing athletes ready to compete professionally.
For Sullivan, the contract in Belgium represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter following an outstanding collegiate career. For Northwestern, it serves as another reminder that the program continues to develop players capable of succeeding well beyond Evanston.
As Sullivan begins her professional journey in Belgium, Wildcats fans will have another former Northwestern standout to follow, while the program adds yet another professional success story to its growing legacy.
