Imagine growing up in a world where your biggest dream—playing professional basketball—was barely visible on the horizon. That was the reality for Katy Steding, who, despite the lack of representation on TV during her childhood in Lake Oswego in the 1970s, went on to become a hometown hero. But here’s where it gets inspiring: Steding’s journey from aspiring athlete to a celebrated figure in Portland’s basketball history is not just a personal triumph—it’s a testament to the power of perseverance and community support. Now, as Portland prepares for the return of the WNBA in 2026, Steding reflects on how this milestone could ignite a new generation of young athletes in Oregon.
In a recent conversation with The Oregonian/OregonLive, Steding shared her excitement about the Portland Fire’s comeback. ‘Pro basketball in Portland was always a dream of mine,’ she said. ‘Seeing it come to life with the Portland Power was nothing short of incredible.’ For Steding, who now serves as an assistant coach at Stanford, the impact of role models in sports cannot be overstated. ‘Young women need players to look up to,’ she emphasized. ‘It’s a game-changer for their aspirations.’
And this is the part most people miss: Steding’s connection to Portland runs deep. A Lake Oswego High School alumna, she scored 1,405 points for the Lakers in the early ‘80s, holding the school’s all-time scoring record until Kelsey Lavender surpassed it in 2004. Her collegiate career at Stanford was equally stellar, leading the team to the 1990 NCAA Championship and earning three All Pac-10 selections. She even brought home Olympic gold with Team USA in 1996 before launching her professional career with the Portland Power.
‘Being from Oregon and representing Portland was always a source of pride,’ Steding recalled. ‘Helping to build the foundation of basketball here felt like a privilege.’ What made her time with the Power truly special, however, was the unwavering support of the community. ‘Our fans were the best in the country—loyal, knowledgeable, and always in our corner,’ she said. As a local player, Steding frequently engaged with the community, speaking at schools and events, which solidified the team’s place in Portlanders’ hearts.
‘Those interactions were magical,’ she reflected. ‘It wasn’t just about basketball; it was about building connections. That’s why it remains one of the highlights of my life.’ Despite a challenging start in 1996, with a 14-26 record, the Portland Power boasted the second-highest attendance in the ABL. Steding credits this to the city’s passion for women’s sports and the convenience of local games compared to college matchups down Interstate-5.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While some might argue that the ABL’s folding in 1998 marked the end of an era, Steding sees it as a stepping stone. ‘Portland’s hunger for professional women’s sports is undeniable,’ she said. ‘The more teams and opportunities we have, the stronger the movement becomes.’ After the ABL’s demise, Steding played for the Sacramento Monarchs and Seattle Storm before transitioning to coaching, where she’s made her mark at Warner Pacific, San Francisco, the Atlanta Dream, Columbia, and now Stanford.
Yet, despite her travels, Oregon remains her home. ‘It’s my favorite place to be,’ she said, noting that most of her family still lives in the metro area. Her work with fellow Oregonian Cameron Brink, who led Stanford to the 2020 NCAA Championship, further underscores her commitment to elevating women’s basketball in her home state.
As Portland gears up for the Fire’s return, Steding’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of sports. But here’s the question: Can the resurgence of the WNBA in Portland truly inspire a new wave of athletes, or is it just a fleeting moment in the city’s sports history? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
