In an inspiring turn of events for both the Duquesne women’s basketball program and the WNBA, former Duquesne guard Megan McConnell has officially signed a contract with the Phoenix Mercury. This announcement marks a significant milestone for McConnell, who hails from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. By making the active roster, she joins an elite group of only three players in Duquesne’s history to achieve this feat, alongside Korie Hlede (1998) and Candace Futrell (2004).
Megan McConnell’s journey to the WNBA has been a testament to her dedication and hard work. McConnell stood at 5’7″, a stature that did not hinder her dominant presence on the court. Throughout her time at Duquesne, she established her legacy as one of the most accomplished players in the program’s history. With 660 career assists and 370 steals, she holds the top spots in both categories. Moreover, she positioned herself second in career scoring, proudly accumulating 1,795 points over her collegiate career.
Beyond accolades, her records reflect her versatility and prowess on the court. McConnell set several school records, including games played (144), career starts (136), and triple-doubles (4). Remarkably, she also collected 1,079 career rebounds—an impressive statistic that solidifies her as a re-bounder, rounding out her skill set. To complement her significant contributions to scoring and defense, she displayed a reliable shooting ability by making 209 three-pointers, ranking sixth in Duquesne history.
Her accolades go beyond mere numbers. McConnell was recognized for her talent and hard work by being named to the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Watchlist in back-to-back seasons and ended her college career as one of five finalists. Her performance led to her inclusion on several prestigious watchlists, including the 2025 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist, where she was notably the only mid-major player featured.
Additionally, her prowess extended beyond the hardwood. McConnell earned multiple academic awards, reflecting her dedication to both athletics and academics. She made the A-10 All-Academic Team for three consecutive seasons and was recognized as a member of the CSC Academic All-District® Team three times. This combination of academic excellence with athletic prowess paints a picture of a well-rounded student-athlete who has made her mark at Duquesne.
Looking to the Phoenix Mercury’s current season, the team is off to their best start since 2014, boasting a solid 5-2 record. With McConnell now on their roster, the Mercury are poised to continue their ascent, particularly as they gear up for the ongoing pursuit of the Commissioner’s Cup. The team’s next challenge will be against the Minnesota Lynx on June 3, a match that promises excitement as they look to maintain their momentum.
In signing with the Phoenix Mercury, Megan McConnell continues her family’s basketball legacy. She joins her brother, TJ McConnell—a guard for the Indiana Pacers—making them a rare sister-brother duo thriving in professional basketball. This unique connection symbolizes resilience, ambition, and a shared passion for the sport.
Megan McConnell’s story is one of perseverance, hard work, and outstanding achievement. As she embarks on this new chapter with the Phoenix Mercury, there’s no doubt she will bring the same determination and excellence that characterized her time at Duquesne. Fans and supporters from her collegiate journey will undoubtedly cheer her on as she makes her mark on the professional level.
As her journey in the WNBA unfolds, McConnell is expected to contribute significantly to her new team, utilizing her skills on both ends of the court. Basketball enthusiasts and fans alike will be eager to witness her development and impact in the professional arena. With her impressive track record, the future looks bright for Megan as she dons the Mercury jersey and continues to inspire the next generation of players.
For the latest updates on Megan McConnell and her journey with the Phoenix Mercury, followers can stay connected through various social media platforms related to Duquesne women’s basketball. Keeping an eye on McConnell’s progress will be essential, as she continues to solidify her legacy not just as a player but as a role model for aspiring athletes across the country. McConnell’s journey exemplifies that with hard work and determination, dreams can turn into reality, and every player has the potential to make a significant impact in the world of sports.
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