Hannah Caldwell

Hannah Caldwell (#16) never expected to skip the WNBA. She had spent years grinding at the University of Nebraska, proving herself as one of the most dominant post players in college basketball. Scouts took notice—her rebounding, defensive presence, and relentless drive had drawn interest from multiple WNBA teams. But there was one problem: they didn’t see her as a star. She wasn’t a flashy scorer or a modern stretch big—she was an enforcer, a dominant presence in the paint, built for physicality. WNBA teams showed interest, but they saw her as a backup to a veteran star or wanted her to adapt to a perimeter-focused system that didn’t suit her strengths. Sitting on the bench or stretching her game beyond what felt natural didn’t sit right with her. Then came Coach Valerie Langston. The San Diego Zephyrs’ head coach had built her AHL roster around physical dominance in the post, and she didn’t just want Hannah—she needed her. Langston personally reached out, skipping the usual formalities. “You’re not just a piece here,” she told Hannah. “You’re our foundation.” That was all it took. Instead of waiting for the WNBA draft, Hannah made the bold move to sign with the Zephyrs, becoming the team’s anchor in the paint. But the Aurora Hoops League was no cakewalk. Every night, she was going up against the best post players amongst the AHL. Against the Iowa Lightning, there was Morgan Kane (#11), a center with a mean streak who thrived on getting under her opponent’s skin. Against the Seattle Nebula, there was Lisa Germann (#42), a relentless center who refused to give an inch.