On Wednesday, former Iowa Women's Basketball star Lucy Olsen learned she made the Washington Mystics' opening-day roster. After Washington selected her No. 23 overall, Olsen only had a few weeks to prove she was worthy of a roster spot.
Olsen struggled mightily during the preseason. In the Mystics' two preseason games, she made two baskets in 14 attempts, tallying only four points, with two rebounds and two assists.
The WNBA expanded, adding the Golden State Valkyries, but only 13 teams and 156 roster spots exist. It is one of the most competitive leagues in professional sports.
Two days after she learned she made the roster, Olsen made her WNBA debut during the Mystics' opening night in Washington, D.C.
In her WNBA debut, Olsen was limited to eight minutes, but made an impact when she was on the floor. Her first professional bucket came at the 2:30 mark in the first quarter, and in typical Olsen fashion, she hit a beautiful mid-range shot.
During the eight minutes in her debut, Olsen had two points and one assist, making her only shot of the night. She also played solid defense on Te-Hina Paopao in limited minutes.
The Washington Mystics played solid defense and held off a three-point barrage by the Atlanta Dream to secure a 94-90 win on opening night. The story of the night was No. 3 overall pick, Sophia Citron.
Citron started for the Mystics, scoring 19 points on 86 percent shooting, and made both of her three-point attempts.
Olsen had a solid WNBA debut, and will look to carve out a bigger role as the season progresses.
She is still adjusting to the WNBA game and everything that comes with being a professional basketball player. However, if she receives the minutes, she has the skills and mindset to make an immediate impact for the Mystics.
The Washington Mystics travel to Connecticut to battle the Sun in their second game of the season on Sunday, May 18 at noon.