Katie Feenstra-Mattera
A dominant collegiate center who translated her shot-blocking prowess into a WNBA career before shaping future players as a coach.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American basketball player and coach·Birthday: November 17·Millennials
Biography
Standing at six feet eight inches, Katie Feenstra-Mattera was an undeniable force in the paint long before she ever coached a game. At Liberty University, she was a two-time NCAA Division I blocks leader, a terrifying presence for anyone driving the lane. Her senior year was a masterpiece: she led the nation in blocks, averaged a double-double, and earned All-American honors, carrying her team to the NCAA tournament. Drafted into the WNBA, her professional journey took her to the San Antonio Silver Stars and later the Chicago Sky, where her size and defensive instincts made her an effective backup center. The transition to coaching felt natural. After her playing career, she returned to her alma mater, Liberty, as an assistant, dedicating herself to developing post players with the same fundamentals that defined her game. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in her own experience—emphasizing defense, positioning, and the kind of work ethic that turns physical gifts into consistent performance.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Katie was born in 1982, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Katie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Katie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Turned 21
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led NCAA Division I in blocks per game for two consecutive seasons (2003-04 and 2004-05) while at Liberty University.
- Named an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American following her dominant senior season in 2005.
- Drafted in the second round (18th overall) of the 2005 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Silver Stars.
- Played three seasons in the WNBA for the San Antonio Silver Stars and Chicago Sky.
Did You Know?
She is one of the tallest players to ever compete in the WNBA, at 6 feet 8 inches tall.
During her senior year at Liberty, she recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 blocks.
She married former Liberty University baseball player Nick Mattera, and they have children together.
After her WNBA career, she played professionally overseas in countries like Turkey and South Korea.
“You don't teach effort; you demand it, and you show it first.”
