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WNBA News: Sparks’ Sydney Wiese tests positive for coronavirus

By Bria Felicien

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Guard Sydney Wiese #24 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball in the game against the Seattle Storm at Staples Center on September 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 05: Guard Sydney Wiese #24 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball in the game against the Seattle Storm at Staples Center on September 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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Sydney Wiese tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the Sparks guard announced Friday.

Wiese, who recently returned to the United States from Spain, is now self isolating at home in Phoenix.

“I am feeling well- fortunate to only show mild symptoms, but I am capable of spreading it,” Wiese said on Twitter. “All of us are united in our fight to stop this spread and keep everyone safe/healthy. I will do my part, and I hope you do too.”

In an Instagram video, she detailed her symptoms, which included a loss of taste and smell, as well as the struggle to find a test.

“The problem we are facing is lack of accessibility to testing,” she wrote. “I was denied two times because I wasn’t showing enough symptoms, but I am someone who SHOULD receive a test. Unsure if I am well or not, some symptoms, but not the main ones.”

She also encouraged others to help stop the spread of the virus by practicing the guidelines provided by health officials.

“The reality is we are all capable of carrying the virus and capable of spreading it,” she said. “Social distancing, isolating, washing hands, being overly cautious is what’s best right now.. not just for ourselves, but for OTHERS.”

Wiese is the first WNBA player to be diagnosed with the coronavirus. Late last year, Liz Cambage believed she contracted the virus while playing in China. Theresa Plaisance, who also spent the WNBA offseason in China, was diagnosed with “pneumonia and an unidentified virus” in December 2019.

The Sparks organization said it was in “direct communication” with Wiese and wished her a speedy recovery in a statement.

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