Fresh off helping UCLA women's basketball make history by winning its first-ever NCAA championship, Michaela Onyenwere is making headlines again. The former Bruins star and current assistant coach has reportedly agreed to a multi-year free-agent deal with the Washington Mystics worth over $1.4 million, as reported by ESPN. This move could spark a Westwood reunion in the nation's capital.
Onyenwere's legacy at UCLA is immense. A two-time AP All-American during her playing career (2017-21), she returned this past season as an assistant coach to help guide her alma mater to the ultimate prize. Her professional journey, which began as the No. 6 overall pick in 2021, has seen her play for the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury, and Chicago Sky. Now, her signing with the Mystics creates a fascinating opportunity.
Why? Because the Washington Mystics hold two valuable first-round picks (No. 4 and No. 9) in the upcoming WNBA Draft, and UCLA has a remarkable six seniors eligible. ESPN's latest mock draft predicts the Mystics will use those picks on Bruins center Lauren Betts and guard Kiki Rice. Teammates Gabriela Jaquez and Gianna Kneepkens are also projected as first-rounders, with Angela Dugalić and Charlisse Leger-Walker likely going late in the first or early in the second round.
This sets the stage for the Mystics to potentially draft multiple Bruins, instantly reuniting parts of the reigning national championship team. For incoming rookies, having a mentor like Onyenwere—someone who has recently navigated the jump from UCLA to the WNBA—would be invaluable. Kiki Rice herself acknowledged this, telling CBS Sports that Onyenwere has provided crucial "behind-the-scenes advice" on what it takes to succeed at the next level.
The pieces are in place for a major UCLA pipeline to form in Washington. The final puzzle will be completed at the 2026 WNBA Draft, set for Monday at 4 pm PST, where the next chapters for these champion Bruins will officially begin.