Seattle Storm rookie Nika Muhl has always been one to wear her heart on her sleeve—whether it’s on the court or through her snappy Instagram stories. But lately, the Croatian guard has been putting in the real work behind the scenes, tackling her biggest opponent yet: rehab. After tearing her ACL in her first game with Turkish Super League’s Besiktas, Muhl has been on a rollercoaster ride of ice packs, knee braces, and endless physical therapy. And guess what? She’s taking it like a champ—or at least pretending to, based on her latest IG post.
With just three emojis, Muhl let fans know that recovery is moving along smoothly, sprinkling a little mystery as only a rookie can. It’s the kind of vague update that leaves us all wondering: Is she already dunking on her PT, or just flexing her emoji game?
This injury bug didn’t just bite Muhl; it feasted on the WNBA rookie class like a Thanksgiving turkey. Cameron Brink? Out for the season. Angel Reese? Same boat. Kamilla Cardoso? Delayed debut thanks to a stubborn shoulder. Apparently, being a rookie this year means earning your stripes in the rehab room before you even get a proper shot at stardom.
But Muhl isn’t sweating it. The day after her injury, she took to Instagram to deliver a mic-drop message. “Anyone that knows me knows I work my ass off all the time,” she wrote, sounding like someone who’s ready to turn this setback into a Rocky montage. “This time isn’t gonna be any different. Not to be cocky, but that’s an easy W.” Confidence? Check. Determination? Double-check. Cocky? Eh, just enough to keep it spicy.
Muhl has already circled the 2025 season on her calendar, promising to return stronger, faster, and probably with a lot more knee jokes up her sleeve. And while she’s been focusing on her own recovery, she’s also found time to show love for her former UConn coach, Geno Auriemma, who recently tied the NCAA record for most Division I victories. Muhl reposted his heartfelt message with a single GOAT emoji. Subtle, but effective.
Coach Auriemma’s speech was a reminder of how far he and his players, including Muhl, have come. “We built it out of nothing in a place they said it couldn’t be built,” Auriemma said, likely while holding back a single, dramatic tear. Muhl’s caption summed it up perfectly: “(Goat emoji) talk.” Because when you’ve been coached by a legend, you earn the right to speak in symbols.
So while the WNBA buzzes with early-season excitement, Muhl is quietly plotting her return. And when she does, don’t be surprised if she storms back onto the court with the same fire, energy, and emoji-laden flair we’ve come to love. For now, she’s just biding her time, proving that even from the sidelines, she’s still a force to be reckoned with.
