The WNBA’s “Thief”: How Veronica Burton Became a Rising Star
Veronica Burton, guard for the Golden State Valkyries, has established herself as one of the most versatile players in the WNBA and in 3x3 basketball, where her defensive impact and court vision have made her one of the most complete players in the game today.
From Northwestern to the WNBA
Burton’s story begins with her athletic heritage. The daughter of former quarterback Steve Burton and All-American swimmer Ginni Vath, Veronica grew up carrying the pride of a family name closely tied to Northwestern University’s athletic tradition.
During her college years, Veronica Burton quickly stood out. She was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year three consecutive times, earning the nickname “The Thief” for her ability to anticipate passing lanes and generate steals.
Her transition to the WNBA came in 2022, when she was selected as the No. 7 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, marking the start of her professional career. After two seasons of development in Dallas and a brief stint with the Connecticut Sun in 2024, Burton eventually found her place in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The Year That Changed Veronica Burton’s Career
The 2025 WNBA season marked a turning point for Veronica Burton. With the Golden State Valkyries, Burton took on a much larger role and showed a clear evolution in her game.
She improved her scoring average from 3.1 points per game to 11.9, while also recording 6.0 assists per game, one of the top marks in the league that season.
Her remarkable improvement earned her the WNBA Most Improved Player (MIP) award and a selection to the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. Under her leadership, the Golden State Valkyries achieved a successful season for an expansion franchise by reaching the WNBA playoffs.
Dominance in 3x3 Basketball
While many players use the offseason to rest and relax with activities outside of basketball, Veronica Burton has taken her game to another level by competing in 3x3 basketball.
Playing for Mist BC, Burton won the championship on March 4, 2026, after defeating Phantom BC in the final. Her ability to pressure the tournament’s top scorers made her one of the most influential defensive players in the league.
Alongside players such as Allisha Gray and Shakira Austin, Team USA aims to continue its dominance in the format after winning gold at the 2025 AmeriCup.
A Complete Guard in Modern Basketball
Today, Veronica Burton does more than steal the ball. She also organizes the offense, creates opportunities for her teammates, and controls the tempo of the game.
In an era where versatility is essential in modern basketball, few players represent that evolution better than Veronica Burton.
