Storm’s Jewell Loyd voted WNBA rookie of the year

  • Associated Press
  • Thursday, September 24, 2015 12:34pm
  • SportsSports

Jewell Loyd had no regrets about leaving school early to enter the WNBA. The No. 1 pick in the 2015 draft was honored with the league’s rookie of the year award Thursday.

“It means a lot, my whole situation,” Loyd said in a phone interview. “Going to a whole new environment by myself and coming in and making a difference. I’m very, very happy. I love Seattle right now and wouldn’t change anything.”

Loyd made news when a few days after losing in the NCAA championship game she decided to turn pro and forego her senior year at Notre Dame. She wanted a new challenge. She certainly got it in the WNBA.

“The physicality was something I had to adjust to,” Loyd said. “I wanted to leave early to be pushed and challenged.”

The 21-year-old guard struggled early on scoring in double figures just once in her first eight games before finally hitting her stride. That double-digit effort came with her mentor Kobe Bryant in the crowd watching her play in Los Angeles against the Sparks.

“We talk, he helped me and continues to give me confidence,” Loyd said of Bryant. “He knows it’s a long season and offers encouragement and has been a good mentor for my whole rookie season.”

Loyd received 21 votes from a national media panel of 39 writers and broadcasters. Kiah Stokes of the New York Liberty finished second with 16 votes and Natalie Achonwa of Indiana got the other two. Joining those three on the all-rookie team were New York’s Brittany Boyd, Seattle’s Ramu Tokashiki and Los Angeles’ Ana Dabovic.

The Storm had a difficult season finishing with 24 losses, more than Loyd had in her three years in college combined. Seattle’s first rookie of the year knew going in that the team was in rebuilding mode.

“The goal was to play strong and hard and get better every day,” said Loyd, who turns 22 on Oct. 5. “None of us like losing and that’s definitely going to motivate us all offseason. We’re going to come back at a higher level.”

Seattle is in the WNBA lottery again and has a chance to get the No. 1 pick for a second straight season.

Loyd has not only excelled on the court this season but also off it. She recently was selected as the international ambassador for Dyslexic Advantage and is a spoke person for Eye to Eye, another organization to help people with learning disabilities.

“A big part of being a professional athlete is the opportunity you have to use your voice for good, so one of the first things I did was write about my dyslexia and the challenges and opportunities that came from it. I wanted to encourage kids with learning disabilities to be proud and dream big,” Loyd said. “To think that through basketball I am able to change lives is really such a dream come true.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Dennis Williams, head coach and GM of the Everett Silvertips, shakes hands with an assistant coach at the end of a season opening victory over the Vancouver Giants on Saturday, Sep. 24, 2022, at Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Coach, GM Williams leaving Silvertips for Bowling Green State

After seven successful season leading Everett, Dennis Williams is heading back to his alma mater. He’ll stay with the Tips through the WHL playoffs.

Everett’s Alana Washington poses for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 Girls Basketball Player of the Year: Alana Washington

The Everett senior upped her game in the postseason to help the Seagulls overcome injuries and claim their first state trophy in 41 years.

Left to right, Arlington’s Samara Morrow, Kamiak’s Bella Hasan, Everett’s Alana Washington, Lake Steven’s Nisa Ellis, Lynnwood’s Aniya Hooker, and Meadowdale’s Gia Powell, pose for a photo at Everett High School on March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
The Herald’s 2023-24 All-Area girls basketball teams

A look at the top prep girls basketball players in the area from the 2023-24 season.

Silvertips players celebrate during a game between the Everett Silvertips and Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024. The Silvertips won, 5-3. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Silvertips land No. 1 pick, chance to draft generational talent

Landon DuPont is the consensus top pick in next WHL prospects draft. Everett chief operating officer Zoran Rajcic said the team intends to select him.

Mountlake Terrace’s Jaxon Dubiel talks with head coach Nalin Sood during the 3A boys state basketball game against Todd Beamer on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 in Tacoma, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It was just time’: Mountlake Terrace basketball coach Sood steps down

Nalin Sood guided his alma mater to 381 wins and 15 state berths in 24 seasons as head coach. He spent over four decades with the program.

Stanwood High School student athletes during their signing day ceremony. (Courtesy of Stanwood High School)
Local class of 2024 athletes who have signed to play in college

A running list of 2024 high school athletes who are set to compete at the next level.

X
Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26

Prep roundup for Tuesday, March 26: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Silvertips’ Kaden Hammell (47) enters the rink during a game between the Everett Silvertips and the Tri-City Americans at the Angel of the Winds Arena on Sunday, March 24, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Patterson: Overachieving Silvertips had season worth celebrating

In a season when some thought the team’s playoff streak could end, Everett put together one of its greatest campaigns.

Washington State athletic director Pat Chun, center, watches players on the first day of NCAA college football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Pullman, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Washington hires AD Chun away from rival Washington State

UW quickly targeted its in-state rival’s athletic director after Troy Dannen’s sudden departure.

Seattle Mariners' Mitch Haniger hits a single against the San Diego Padres during the fourth inning of a spring training baseball game Monday, March 11, 2024, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Why the Mariners could win the AL West, and what could hold them back

Starting pitching, a renovated offense and regression in the AL West are in Seattle’s favor, but injury issues, bullpen concerns and the Houston Astros could be a problem.

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 18-24

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 18-24. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27

Prep roundup for Wednesday, March 27: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.