This year’s top draft picks step onto professional courts carrying stacked resumes, deep tournament runs, hard-fought championship rings, and burgeoning star power that is already captivating fans nationwide. While the glitz and glamour of draft night may now be in the rearview mirror, the real story of the season is just getting started. Ahead of their rookie season tip-offs, SELF caught up with several of the league’s newest members to discuss their journeys, their pre-game rituals, and what it truly means to transition from college powerhouses to the professional stage.
The Minnesota Lynx wasted no time securing fresh talent by drafting an standout prospect out of Texas Christian University. Hailing from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, this rookie enters the league with a steadfast game-day mantra: "Keep going and trust in your work." To get into the zone before hitting the hardwood, she relies on "Too Much Sauce" by DJ Esco as her go-to hype music, followed by a comforting plate of pasta for her favorite post-game meal. Speaking on her transition to the pros, she shared that she is overjoyed and overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude as this monumental moment finally arrives. She noted that she is particularly thrilled to step into a winning culture in Minnesota, pointing out that the franchise boasts MVP-caliber players alongside a proven, winning coach and program, making her eager to learn and compete at the absolute highest level.
Meanwhile, the Washington Mystics added significant firepower by drafting a standout talent from the University of California, Los Angeles. Originally from Centennial, Colorado, her unique game-day mantra—“Look at the flowers”—helps keep her grounded amidst the chaos of elite competition. When it is time to lock in before a game, she listens exclusively to house music, noting that she likes to feel like she is in a club. For her celebratory post-game meal, nothing beats an In-N-Out burger. Reflecting on the grueling road to the draft, she opened up about the immense sacrifices required to secure a national championship this past year. She explained that outsiders often do not understand the personal toll and heavy sacrifices made throughout a championship season, where athletes frequently feel as though they are giving up massive portions of themselves for the collective good of the team, often without feeling noticed or appreciated along the way. Yet, she emphasized that reaching this milestone makes every single sacrifice entirely worth it, capping off a dream run from a collegiate title straight into the professional draft.
Up in the Pacific Northwest, the Seattle Storm welcomed a dynamic new presence who carved out an extraordinary path from Louisiana State University. A native of Savannah, Georgia, her game-day mindset is anchored by the powerful reminder that "You are what you tell yourself." She powers her pre-game routine with "Woah" by Flau’jae Johnson, and rewards her hard work on the court with a decadent post-game meal of stuffed salmon with alfredo. Expressing her excitement for her new city, she described herself as a true people person who blooms wherever she is planted. Her journey to the WNBA is particularly remarkable given her humble beginnings. Coming out of Savannah, she was unranked and overlooked by scouts who simply were not paying attention, making her current arrival on the professional stage all the more meaningful as she looks forward to embracing a brand-new community.
The Indiana Fever strengthened their roster by drafting a powerhouse out of the University of South Carolina. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, her approach to the game is deeply rooted in her faith, relying on her favorite Bible verse, Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Her pre-game focus is accompanied by uplifting gospel music, while her unique post-game menu features a mix of sour straw candy, Airheads, and a hearty plate of spaghetti. She expressed immense enthusiasm about joining a Fever squad with genuine championship aspirations this season, stating that she is ready to walk into the franchise as a sponge, absorb everything she can, and learn directly from seasoned veterans like Caitlin Clark. She emphasized that she is fully prepared to bring a relentless winning mentality and do whatever it takes to help the team succeed.
In another major move, the Atlanta Dream also drew from the powerhouse University of South Carolina program to land an exceptional international talent. Hailing originally from Mumias, Kenya, her game-day inspiration is likewise anchored in Philippians 4:13, and she similarly finds her pre-game focus in gospel music. When it comes to post-game recovery, she enjoys a comforting plate of pasta alfredo or traditional ugali. She expressed profound excitement about being surrounded by some of the greatest players in the world, noting her eagerness to meet and learn from stars like Angel Reese. Furthermore, she spoke with deep pride about the significance of representing her home country, the entire continent of Africa, and the countless young girls back home who aspire to follow in her footsteps, expressing deep gratitude to everyone who supported her along the way.
The Connecticut Sun added depth and grit by drafting another exceptional talent out of the University of California, Los Angeles. Hailing from Duluth, Minnesota, her straightforward game-day mantra is simply to "Find a way." To get energized before tip-off, she cues up "Gang Gang" by Chef Boy, and refuels after the final buzzer with a classic burger. Reflecting on her massive transition, she noted that any opportunity to grow and challenge oneself is inherently exciting. She has leaned heavily on her support system, noting that the transition has been uniquely special because she shares the experience with five other college teammates going through the exact same professional milestone. While she enters the league brimming with the confidence of a reigning national champion, she stressed the importance of maintaining a careful balance of profound humility, trusting the foundational work she has put in, and embracing the continuous learning curve expected of a rookie.
Finally, the Golden State Valkyries made a splash by welcoming a talented rookie from Texas Christian University who originally hails from Oviedo, Spain. Guided by a pre-game mantra of "Patience and faith," she dials into the rhythms of Bad Bunny for her pre-game hype music and enjoys a balanced post-game meal of salmon, sweet potato mash, and fresh vegetables. She expressed deep honor in joining a rookie class stepping into such a monumental and transitional period for women’s basketball, acknowledging the weight of the responsibility while remaining overwhelmingly grateful. Having spent a couple of years living in California, she is thrilled to reunite with familiar faces in the region, and joked that she is equally excited to revisit her absolute favorite Chinese food spot in San Francisco.
