SOUTH BEND – What in the world is left for former Notre Dame women’s basketball standout Jewell Loyd to do in the W?
If you listen to Loyd, plenty.
She still doesn’t feel she’s done nearly enough. Not after a decade in the WNBA after being the No. 1 overall selection in 2015. Not after helping the Seattle Storm win two WNBA championships. Not after being named rookie of the year in 2015 or winning a scoring title in 2023. Not after being a six-time all-star and two-time Olympic gold medalist.
Advertisement
Even after scoring 5,538 points with 1,189 rebounds and 1,052 assists in 327 career WNBA games and counting, the 31-year-old Lincolnwood, Illinois native believes that she’s just getting started in a game that has given her so much.
Noie: Why now and why this career decision for Notre Dame women’s basketball standout Olivia Miles?
That’s why Loyd feels rejuvenated this spring, her first as a member of the Las Vegas Aces, who were in town Friday evening to play the Dallas Wings in the first WNBA exhibition game at Purcell Pavilion.
Traded from the Storm in the offseason, the 5-foot-11 Loyd couldn’t wait to see what her 11th season, and first alongside fellow former Notre Dame standout Jackie Young, has in store.
Advertisement
“I wouldn’t say it’s a rebirth, but just fresh air,” Loyd said of starting over with a new team in a new town. “I’m always someone who wants to learn more. I don’t think I’ve plateaued, and I don’t want to plateau. Being here with Vegas has allowed me to keep exploring on and off the court.
Noie: Was this Notre Dame women’s basketball team different in this March Madness Sweet 16?
“I’m excited for this chance.”
Loyd also was excited for the WNBA to showcase its game in a different way. The league is doing something different this month in playing exhibitions in the college towns of some of its current stars. Caitlin Clark will go back to Iowa City. Angel Reese will go back to Baton Rouge. On Friday, Loyd and Young faced former Irish guard Arike Ogunbowale back at Notre Dame.
Advertisement
“It makes sense,” Loyd said of the scheduling. “It’s super cool.”
As the Aces wrapped an hour-long shootaround Friday morning at Purcell Pavilion — they arrived for the workout at what was 7 a.m. Nevada time — the last bit of business included seeing who would sink a halfcourt shot. Loyd wandered over to the broadcast table where Irish head coach Niele Ivey was seated and made a side bet on who would be first to make it.
Loyd was the first in line to try. Naturally, she stuck her first attempt, then danced off with the winning bet from Ivey — one dollar. Afterward, she displayed it proudly.
“It felt good,” she said. “It’s a little bit of the luck of the Irish, so I’ll take it.”
Advertisement
Loyd took it and ran with it. Just as she plans to do this year with opportunity in the desert.
Follow South Bend Tribune and NDInsider columnist Tom Noie on X (formerly Twitter): @tnoieNDI. Contact Noie at tnoie@sbtinfo.com
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Hard to believe Notre Dame’s Jewell Loyd has been in WNBA for 10 seasons
