The former Rookie of the Year from the Liberty is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, thanks to a strategic career shift, a national championship, and newfound consistency.
Michaela Onyenwere, now playing as a forward for the Mystics, was initially selected as the sixth overall draft pick by New York in 2021. Her impressive first season saw her clinch the Rookie of the Year title with an average of 8.6 points per game over 32 appearances, 29 of which were starts. However, her sophomore season did not mirror her debut success; she started only once and her scoring average was halved.
After parting ways with the Liberty, Onyenwere navigated the league before receiving a call from the UCLA women’s basketball head coach, who offered her an assistant coaching role for the 2025-26 season.
“If you had asked me a year ago about coaching, I would have outright dismissed the idea,” Onyenwere shared with The Post before Friday’s matchup against the Liberty at Barclays Center. “This opportunity was incredible. My love for UCLA is unwavering—I would choose it every time.”
At just 26, Onyenwere infused the Bruins with her professional insights, guiding them to their inaugural national championship. Her role at UCLA earned her $205,000, as reported by Front Office Sports, surpassing her previous WNBA salary.
Under the league’s new CBA, Onyenwere signed a two-year deal worth over $1.4 million with the Mystics and became teammates with her former player, Lauren Betts.
Onyenwere came to Washington simply for an opportunity to contribute consistently, unlike in her other league years. It has seemingly made the difference.
Going into Friday, the forward was averaging a career-high 12.7 points on a 54 percent clip from the field across nine games, all of which she has started.
“I’m really grateful for my journey but it would be nice to have something consistent,” she said. “I think that’s all just the consistency of knowing what my coaches want from me, what my teammates expect from me, and just having confidence in it.”
The Colorado native said coming back to New York will “always be home.”
Yet, after several years since her rookie debut, Friday will just be “another game” for her.
The Liberty, who clinched their spot in the Commissioner’s Cup final Sunday, learned Thursday they will host the Aces for the title game on June 30 at Barclays Center.
“It means a lot to have that opportunity to have a chance at a trophy in the middle of the season in front of our fans,” head coach Chris DeMarco said.
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (left knee management) was out for Friday’s game after she received an injection in her surgically repaired left knee this week. Coach Chris DeMarco wanted to give her “one more day” and hoped she will play on the upcoming West Coast road trip.