Paige Buecekrs called for stricter gun laws in the United States following the horrific school shooting that took place in her home state of Minnesota Wednesday. Two children aged 8 and 10 were killed another 17 people were wounded during a student Mass at Annunciation Catholic School.
"I've been sending prayers ... It's just really unfortunate," Bueckers said. "I hope there are stricter gun laws put in place so parents don't have to worry about sending their kids to school, people don't have to worry about attending church and all these places are safe. It's just really unfortunate that gun violence continues to be an issue."
Bueckers graduated from Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota, before attending college at UConn.
Cheryl Reeve on the school shooting at the Annunciation Catholic School
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) August 27, 2025
“It’s such an indictment of our society, our lack of regard for life. There are things that we can do about it, and we don’t, but for some reason as Americans we value something different. It’s sickening,… pic.twitter.com/tj1CkqJxYi
The Minnesota Lynx also issued a statement following news of the shooting, and Coach Cheryl Reeve described it as "sickening."
"There are things that we can do about it, and we don't, but for some reason as Americans we value something different. It's sickening. It's sad for the kids, it's sad for the kids that have to grow up like this. It's sad for the kids to walk through the door and not know what's going to happen," Reeve said.
The WNBA has always been a political league
Advocacy and activism is nothing new in the WNBA, and the players who have made up the league over the years have a long history of speaking up for what they believe is right. Bueckers has also never shied away from expressing her thoughts and opinions on basketball and non-basketball events.
In June the WNBPA and the NWSLPA released a joint statement in support of immigrants in the United States — a statement that came as the Trump administration pushed a plan to robustly detain and deport individuals and families based on their citizenship and immigration status.
"We're in the midst of a new season and an incredible moment for women's sports, but it's not lost on us that this country and the world are in turmoil right now," the statement began. "Across the country, families are facing fear, hardship, and uncertainty tied to immigration."
The WNBA and NWSL seasons are currently active, which means professional basketball and soccer players have a lot on their plates right now — but that didn't stop members of the players' unions from releasing a powerful joint statement in support of immigrants in the United States on Thursday. The WNBPA and NWSLPA shared the statement as families and individuals around the country are being detained and deported based on their immigration status.
"We're in the midst of a new season and an incredible moment for women's sports, but it's not lost on us that this country and the world are in turmoil right now," the statement begins. "Across the country, families are facing fear, hardship, and uncertainty tied to immigration."
"We stand with all people seeking safety, dignity, and opportunity, no matter where they come from or where they hope to go. Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. We know not every situation is simple. But offering compassion should never be up for debate."
Such advocacy is central to the WNBA and how the league has operated since its inception — at the end of the day, women playing professional sports is an inherently political act, whether some fans want to admit it or not. By making this statement, Bueckers is continuing a long tradition that preceded her — and that will persevere in the years to come.