What It Takes for a Young Star to Win the Award

Every WNBA season brings talented young players into the league. Some rookies make an immediate impact and quickly become important players for their teams.

The Rookie of the Year award recognizes one player who stands out among the new faces in the league. Winning it can be a major milestone and the beginning of a special professional career.

Making an Immediate Impact

A rookie does not need to score the most points every night to make a difference.

Coaches look for players who can contribute in different ways, including scoring, passing, rebounding and defense.

A player who consistently helps her team can quickly earn more minutes and responsibility.

Scoring Gets Attention

Points are often one of the first things fans notice.

A rookie who can create shots, make three-pointers and finish around the basket can become a major offensive weapon.

However, scoring is only one part of the award conversation.

Defense Matters Too*

Strong defense can make a rookie extremely valuable.

A young player who can defend experienced opponents, create steals and protect the basket can give her team an important advantage.

Defensive effort can also help a rookie earn the trust of her coach.

Consistency Is Important

One excellent game is not enough.

A strong Rookie of the Year candidate must perform well throughout the season.

Consistency shows that a player can handle the demands of professional basketball over time.

Handling Pressure

Rookies often face plenty of attention from fans and the media.

Learning how to handle expectations can be difficult, especially when opponents begin paying more attention to them.

Staying focused and continuing to work can help young players deal with the pressure.

Learning From Veterans

Experienced teammates can make a big difference.

Veteran players can teach rookies about preparation, defense, travel, teamwork and the mental side of professional basketball.

Listening and learning can help young players improve quickly.

*'Team Success Can Help

Individual awards focus on players, but team performance can also influence how fans view a rookie's season.

Helping a team win important games can make a young player's impact even more noticeable.

The Start of a Career

Winning Rookie of the Year does not guarantee a long and successful career.

It is simply the beginning.

The best young players continue developing after their first season and work toward becoming All Stars, leaders and championship contenders.

Inspiring the Next Generation**

Rookies can also become role models.

Young basketball fans watch them compete and may become inspired to pick up a basketball themselves.

Their journeys can show young athletes that hard work can lead to opportunities at the highest level.

The Rookie of the Year award celebrates more than impressive numbers. It recognizes a young player who shows talent, confidence, consistency and the ability to make a real impact in the WNBA.