Nika Muhl has already shown us how difficult it was for her to leave Storr and Geno Auriemma. The hurricane of responsibilities that followed did not help either. First, she had the Big Dance to tackle where she was UConn’s secret weapon to stop Caitlin Clark. The draft followed quickly. With the whirlwind that she has experienced in the last few weeks, the graduate student could not make it to her D-Day. But her new team ensured to give her a graduation ceremony. Consequently, fans cannot help but cheer for the Seattle Storm’s efforts.

Tonight, the official Instagram account of Seattle Storm gave us an insider’s peek at their surprise for Muhl. They captioned the post, “Nika couldn’t make it to her graduation ceremony in Storrs, so we brought graduation to her 💙⛈️” The head coach Noelle Quinn, as Chancellor Quinn, stood on the front addressing the ‘audience’.

Talking about Muhl’s long route to reach Seattle, she said, “What a journey from Zagreb, Croatia, to UConn, to now being drafted to the WNBA in Seattle. We just wanted to show our appreciation. We talked about the back side of the blessing, right? We are very happy to create this moment for you and celebrate for you”

The creative, humorous, and laughter-filled graduation ceremony by Seattle also presented Nika Muhl with her diploma for the “Storm class of 2024.” The internet also happily nodded at the surprise for the former Husky.

“I Cried”: Fans get emotional as Seattle gives Nika Muhl a special surprise

From not being able to go to Edmonton for her debut game due to Student Visa issues to not being able to go to Storrs for her graduation, Nika Muhl surely has had a tough road already. Amidst these challenges, her team truly came up with a beautiful surprise for her. Hence, fans are not able to keep their eyes dry. One Instagram user did not wait to express the beauty of the efforts that the entire team made. Not only were the players involved in the stunt, but the coaches, team managers, and complete staff stood up.

“This is so dang beautiful. What an incredible moment to create for her 🥹” Turns out Nika Muhl was not the only one crying and getting emotional at this heartwarming surprise. A Storm fan commented on the reel and how they teared up at this visual. They also greeted the newly graduated Husky.

“I Cried Sweet Congratulations 👏👏👏” A team Seattle follower also applauded the team for pulling this stunt. They had everything prepared for their rookie, from a fake diploma from a made-up university to Talisa Rhea being the President and Quinn as the Chancellor. While we don’t know what the Storm have coming in their near future, it is sure they can be creative about everything.

“They are truly a class act!!” Another fan had a query as to why the Rookie never made it to UConn on the 5th for her graduation ceremony. Well, it is quite apparent. This year, the WNBA has shifted a lot of dates to accommodate the Commissioner’s Cup in an Olympic year. Hence, with the timeline being too short for the training camp and the preseason games, clearly, Muhl gave preference to her commitment to Seattle. Moreover, her debut game against the Mercury was set for May 7, 2024, which would not have given her time to travel and also play.

“But why was she unable to attend that once in a lifetime ceremony? Sincere question, not an accusation.” A UConn fan also jumped into the comment section. She said how everyone will miss the Croatian Husky in the next season. UConn’s Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd will surely try to grab a title for the team. She also mentioned that this thoughtful act of the Storm for their rookie is a sign that everyone loves her, no matter where she goes. “It just shows how much people love her!!!! She will be missed next year at UCONN! I loved watching her play. Go Nika!!!!”

It is clear that many fans cannot wait to see Nika Muhl in action once again. But they do not have to wait long either. The 2024 WNBA season is right around the corner. In just four days, Nika Muhl and the Storm will host Minnesota in the Climate Pledge Arena. Let us see how the former Husky breaks some ground and proves her worth to the professional league.