On Monday, MacKay signed with the Seattle Storm, becoming the first UD women’s player to sign with a WNBA team.
MacKay will graduate from UD on May 5 and report to training camp in Seattle on May 9.
Not bad for someone who didn’t start until their senior campaign.
“My goal was playing overseas and making the best of the situation I was dealt,” MacKay said. “This is the best thing I could ever think of.”
MacKay had a breakout senior season, leading the Flyers to a 28-3 record and a top-15 ranking in the Associated Press poll. The point guard from Dublin averaged a career-high 10.5 points per game and led UD in assists (4.9) and free throw percentage (86 percent). She was a third-team All-Atlantic 10 selection.
“This is the icing on the cake,” MacKay said. “We had a great freshman class that gave us everything they had and we gave them everything we had back. Everything I got as an individual is because of the team.”
MacKay attended two of the top combines in New Orleans during the women’s Final Four and was contacted by Storm head coach Brian Agler the day following the draft.
“I guess I played well at the combine,” MacKay said. “Now, I’ve just got to go out there and hope I make the team.”
“I have to adjust to the level of play, the level of the girls playing at the next level will be a big adjustment,” she added. “I definitely don’t have anything to lose. I either make it or I don’t.”
Dayton coach Jim Jabir is glad to see MacKay get a shot.
“I’m really happy for Sam and I could not be more proud of her,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for her and a milestone for our program. She has worked extremely hard to get this opportunity that most people can only dream of.”
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