Millie Long, a standout basketball talent from Port Angeles, Alaska, has traversed a remarkable path from high school stardom to professional play across the United States, culminating in a recent move to the Women’s Albanian Superleague.
Her high school career at Port Angeles High School earned her All‑Olympic League MVP honors in both basketball and soccer, and she capped that chapter with a state prep championship in track and field, showcasing a rare blend of athleticism and versatility.
At Peninsula College she captured the NWAC Soccer Player of the Year title in 2022 while also being named first‑team all‑NWAC and the North Region Defensive Player of the Year in basketball, establishing herself as a two‑sport standout.
Her next stop at Cal Poly Humboldt saw her lead Division II schools in steals per game, posting a 4.57 average, and she even contributed four goals in a single soccer match, underscoring her all‑around skill set.
A season at Alaska‑Anchorage cemented her defensive reputation, earning her the Defensive Player of the Year award and setting a school record with 129 steals in one season as the team posted a 27‑4 record.
Transitioning to Division I at Fresno State, Long became a key offensive engine, averaging 13.5 points, 3.7 assists and 2.7 steals per game, and helping the program compete at a higher level.
Last weekend she signed with AS Flamurtari, a dominant force in the Albanian A1 League that fields five American players, marking the start of an international chapter that promises new challenges and opportunities.
Embracing a New Culture
Settling into Vlorë, a historic coastal city of roughly 200,000 residents, Long is already learning basic Albanian phrases and relying on her American teammates to smooth the cultural transition as the league prepares to tip off in October.
The upcoming season will begin with an early tournament in late September, giving Long and her new club a chance to test themselves against regional competition before the main league schedule unfolds.
Her move represents more than a career progression; it is a cultural bridge that could inspire future athletes to seek opportunities beyond North America, while she continues to blend her basketball acumen with a fresh global perspective.