Coming up Aces: No. 1 pick Jackie Young has big goals
One year after snagging eventual Rookie of the Year A’ja Wilson with the first overall pick, the Las Vegas Aces added another building block at the top of the WNBA draft in former Notre Dame guard Jackie Young. Then, just a few weeks later, the Aces traded for star Liz Cambage.
In a recent sit-down, Young talked going No. 1 overall, why she’s looking forward to living in Las Vegas and how she ended up having a street named after her in high school.
ESPN: How did it feel to go No. 1?
Jackie Young: I was supposed to get a hint the night before, but I didn’t really get it. So I was stressed out the whole day and didn’t know what to expect. When I heard my name get called, it was a relief. I was in shock. It’s definitely an honor.
In your career, you’ve always been a prolific scorer. But with so much young scoring talent already on the Aces’ roster, how are you going to approach being an impactful player?
I felt like I did that at Notre Dame. I didn’t really focus on my scoring there. I did whatever I could to help the team win — guarding the best defender, getting rebounds and assists. I’m willing to put others before myself and do what I can to help my team win — the small things that sometimes go unnoticed.
You grew up in a small Indiana town and played in the same state in college. How nervous are you to go live somewhere else for the first time?
I went to Las Vegas once, my senior year of high school. We went sightseeing and to a couple of shows, and I remember we went to Hoover Dam and we stayed at Treasure Island. I’m excited to go out there and experience something new and different.
What is something not many people know about you?
I have a street named after me in my hometown. It was after I got the Naismith Award and broke the scoring record in Indiana. We won the state title too. It’s Jackie Young Way, and it’s the street leading to the high school.
What are you hoping to accomplish during your rookie season?
I really just want to boost my confidence. It’s a huge thing. I want to be more confident and be a leader.
What will you miss most about Notre Dame?
It’s a great place. Definitely going to miss my teammates and the relationships I’ve been able to build with Coach [Muffet] McGraw and the coaching staff. I’ll really miss being in the arena with all those green shirts.
How’d your family respond to you being picked No. 1?
They’re still super excited about it and in shock about it. My mom was talking about it yesterday about how she still can’t believe it’s real. I think they’re still on a high from it and super excited and proud.