PHOTO: UConn Dawgs Azzi Fudd, Nika Mühl and KK Arnold snaps with 2X WNBA champ Kelsey Plum

2X WNBA champion Kelsey Plum recently organized her Dawg Class, with eleven invitees including college seniors and new pro players participating in the three-day basketball camp.

UConn seniors Azzi Fudd, KK Arnold and the new Seattle Storm draftee Nika Mühl were among the participants.

Others invited to the Dawg Class included Plum's new teammates, Kate Martin and Dyaisha Fair, Georgia Amoore, Aziaha James, Saniya Rivers, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Deja Kelly and Raven Johnson.

Kelsey Plum addressed the absence of some key players from this season on X (formerly Twitter). She explained that some declined to participate due to needing rest before the WNBA season or prior engagements.

NC State's Saniya Rivers was named Dawg of the Class, praised by Plum for being a "monster offensively and defensively" while also having great energy throughout the weekend, on and off the court.

Kelsey Plum's Dawg Class includes special invitees

On one of the days, the class attended a Puppy Pilates session where the players were seen resting on the ground after a round of stretching. Many puppies were brought in who then immediately ran up to the athletes.

Kelsey Plum first organized the Dawg Class in 2023 in association with Under Armour. Despite being the No. 1 pick in the 2017 WNBA draft after a stellar college career, Plum says she struggled to adjust to the pro-life.

In a statement before the launch of the program, she said:

“The Dawg class with Under Armour will bridge the gap between college and the professional game. It’s difficult to jump to the next level and I didn’t have anyone helping me navigate the unknown.

"I want to pass on the knowledge that I’ve gained and the resources available to me now to young women who are about to take that next step.

“Ultimately, I’m here to change the game for the next generation of women's basketball. These athletes have proven they have the skill and talent, and I'm here to cultivate their dawg mentality - their grit, voracity, determination - so they are prepared and ready to face the next level of their careers.”

The inaugural camp session included Azzi Fudd, Deja Kelly, Diamond Miller, Georgia Amoore, Gianna Kneepkens, Hailey Van Lith, KK Bransford, Raven Johnson, and Rori Harmon.

The 2023 WNBA draft No. 2 pick, Diamond Miller, said:

“Dawg Class has taught me about consistency, which will be crucial to my success in the league. The camp was jam-packed, with a lot of workouts in one day and I forgot how much that takes a toll on your body.”

The 2024-25 WNBA season is set to begin on May 14 and team practices will be conducted later this week.