Elina Aarnisalo

Elina Aarnisalo, a standout guard for the UCLA Bruins in the NCAA Women's Basketball league, has quickly made her mark on the court. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Aarnisalo brought her international experience to UCLA, showcasing her skills in a competitive collegiate basketball landscape. Standing at 5'10", she wears jersey number 7 and plays as a guard, a position that allows her to leverage her agility and basketball IQ effectively. In her freshman year (2024 season), Aarnisalo demonstrated her multifaceted game, contributing significantly across various statistics. She appeared in 32 games, starting in 10, and clocked an impressive 679 minutes of play. Her scoring average was a solid 5.2 points per game, with a total of 167 points for the season. Besides scoring, Aarnisalo excelled in facilitating play, amassing 124 assists, which highlights her vision and passing ability. Defensively, she was also active, recording 24 steals and 76 rebounds, showcasing her all-around game. Her shooting percentages were notable as well, with a free throw percentage of 76.9% and a field goal percentage of 44%, indicating her efficiency on the offensive end. Aarnisalo's debut season stats reflect her ability to adapt to the high level of competition in the NCAA Women's Basketball league and her potential to grow into a key player for the Bruins. Her international experience and early achievements, including her scoring, assists, and defensive contributions, suggest a promising career ahead in collegiate basketball. With her freshman year serving as a foundation, Aarnisalo is poised to develop her game further, contributing to her team's success in future seasons.