Since sports and the world have come to a screeching halt, it has been difficult to say when everything will return. Because of this, the NCAA basketball tournament was cancelled, otherwise known as March Madness, and the 2020 WNBA season has postponed their start. With major sporting events being cancelled and postponed, the future of these at athletes are also up in the air. The NCAA tournament allows for many players to gain recognition and interest from professional scouts.
As a result of the pandemic and cancellations, the first professional sports draft was held virtually by the Women’s National Basketball Association. We were invited into the homes of these women, and celebrated their successes in the sport. The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert said it best herself “The WNBA Draft is a time to celebrate the exceptional athletes whose hard work and dreams are realized with their selections in the draft.” The night began with honoring the victims of the helicopter accident. Alyssa Altobelli, Gianna Bryant and Payton Chester, as the first 3 picks of the draft. It was a beautiful tribute to those girls, and their families.
The first pick went to the New York Liberty who selected Oregon’s Sabrina Ionescu. And Congratulations to JMU’s very own Kamiah Smalls who drafted 28th overall to the Indiana Fever. Throughout the draft there were clips of athletes expressing there words of encouragement to these women. This is just the beginning for these women and I wish them luck and success in their upcoming season.
ShoutOut! James Madison University 