The moment every Alabama Crimson Tide fan has been waiting for finally arrived — and it was nothing short of legendary.
Sarah Ashlee Barker, the gritty, passionate, and wildly talented guard who left everything on the court in every game, just etched her name into history. On WNBA Draft night, the Los Angeles Sparks selected her with the 9th overall pick, launching the Alabama star into the professional spotlight she was born for.
For Tide fans, it’s a proud yet emotional moment. Barker wasn’t just a key player — she was a movement. Her hustle, leadership, and sheer willpower made her the heart of the Crimson Tide women’s basketball team. Whether it was a buzzer-beating shot, a clutch steal, or a fiery huddle rally, Barker played with a chip on her shoulder and the spirit of Tuscaloosa in her veins.
Her journey hasn’t been easy. Transferring from Georgia to Alabama in 2022, she carried the weight of expectations and delivered night after night. She became the team’s go-to weapon in crunch time and embodied everything the Alabama basketball program stands for: resilience, grit, and excellence.
And now, she’s taking that same fire to Los Angeles.
The Sparks, a franchise with championship pedigree, didn’t just pick a player — they picked a proven competitor. Barker brings not only elite defensive skills and high basketball IQ, but also a rare emotional drive that elevates teams. She’s the kind of player you hate to play against and love to have on your side.
Social media lit up the moment her name was called. Former teammates, fans, and even rivals paid tribute. “She’s gonna light up the W,” one fan tweeted. “LA just got themselves a dawg.”
Back home in Alabama, there’s a mix of celebration and nostalgia. For the Crimson Tide faithful, Barker’s draft isn’t a goodbye — it’s a passing of the torch. She showed young girls across Alabama that they, too, could dream big, grind hard, and get drafted on national television.
Now, as Sarah Ashlee Barker dons the purple and gold of Los Angeles, one thing is certain: the WNBA isn’t ready for the full force of what she brings. And Alabama fans? They’ll be watching — proud, loud, and forever grateful.
Because once you bleed Crimson, your legend never fades.
