UNLV's Desi-Rae Young has signed a training camp contract with the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, fulfilling a dream she has had since she was 12 years old. Young, a 6-foot-1 center, is a WBCA 2024 All-America honorable mention honoree who completed a phenomenal career at UNLV, becoming only one of two Lady Rebels in program history to reach the 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds mark. She is set to join Phoenix Mercury for preseason play, starting with a game against the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday, May 14.

By the Numbers
  • Young finished her phenomenal UNLV career as one of only two Lady Rebels in program history to reach the 2,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds mark.
  • She was honored 11 times as Mountain West Player of the Week and was a 2024 Top-10 Finalist for the Lisa Leslie Award.
  • During her senior campaign, Young led the squad with a career-high 18.2 points per game and became one of four DI players to average at least 17.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and a steal per game.
State of Play
  • WNBA teams open training camps on April 28, with Phoenix Mercury set to begin preseason play on Tuesday, May 14, against the Las Vegas Aces.
  • Young's signing marks an exciting new chapter in her basketball career, transitioning from a remarkable college career to the professional level.
Bottom Line

Desi-Rae Young's journey from UNLV to the Phoenix Mercury represents the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her career, marking her transition to the professional level of women's basketball.