As the dawn of the new WNBA season approaches on May 14th, teams are eagerly preparing to secure their future stars during the upcoming draft day. Adding a touch of nostalgia, fans will once again grace the marquee event, reminiscent of the 2014-2016 drafts held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Among the prospects, Iowa’s Caitlin Clark has emerged as a frontrunner for the coveted number one draft pick. Joining her are 14 other talented players, including Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards, all poised to make their mark in the league.

However, amidst the anticipation, fans are left questioning the absence of Clark’s teammate, Gabbie Marshall, a stalwart who has represented the Hawkeyes in an impressive 166 career games. Marshall’s tenure stands as the longest among any Big Ten women’s basketball players to date. Yet, her name is notably absent from both the list of invited players and the WNBA draft roster.

The mystery surrounding Marshall’s exclusion is swiftly unraveled: her primary focus lies on academic pursuits, rather than professional basketball aspirations. Unbeknownst to many, Marshall never formally declared her intent to enter the WNBA draft. Instead, she remained steadfast in her commitment to her collegiate career, cognizant that her senior year marked the culmination of her time at the collegiate level.

“My mentality this year is to focus on my teammates. Just making the most of every opportunity that I get, all the memories that we’re making. I think it’s really bittersweet,” she spoke to the media. “I think in my other years I’ve just focused on improving in basketball, which I’m still doing but at the same time, I know I’m nearing the end of my basketball career forever. I’m just trying to soak in all the memories off and on the court.”

Gabbie Marshall’s trajectory diverges from the basketball court as she sets her sights on furthering her education. Having earned a degree in Health and Human Physiology from Iowa in 2023, her next endeavor is to pursue a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at North Carolina. Despite being eligible for the WNBA draft, Marshall’s aspirations lie beyond the confines of professional basketball, reflecting her distinct priorities.

While Marshall bids farewell to her basketball career, her legacy remains indelible, particularly as part of the iconic trio alongside Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin. Together, they crafted an era that will be remembered and revered. Marshall reminisces on their journey, emphasizing the bonds forged both on and off the court under the guidance of Coach Bluder.

Interestingly, Marshall’s path echoes that of her father, a former college basketball player who graduated from Bellarmine University in Louisville before obtaining a Master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University. Presently, he serves as an executive vice president at a global intelligent power management company, showcasing a parallel transition from athletics to academia and professional pursuits.

Reflecting on her collegiate basketball career, Marshall and the Hawkeyes reached consecutive finals, albeit falling short on both occasions. Nonetheless, their collective impact transcends mere victories and defeats, contributing significantly to the elevated stature of NCAA basketball.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming draft, Marshall’s journey underscores the multifaceted nature of athletic careers, wherein personal and academic aspirations intersect with sporting achievements.

Expectations from the WNBA draft!

As the WNBA draft approaches, all eyes are on the highly anticipated selection of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark as the potential #1 pick, poised to make waves in the league. Meanwhile, the Indiana Fever holds the coveted first pick for the second consecutive year, aiming to replicate their success in securing the WNBA Rookie of the Year, following their selection of former South Carolina standout Aliyah Boston last year.

The excitement surrounding women’s basketball continues to escalate, evidenced by the record-breaking viewership leading up to the NCAA final. A staggering 18.7 million viewers tuned in to witness the showdown between the Gamecocks and the Hawkeyes, underscoring the sport’s growing popularity. Even with limited ticket availability, fans clamored to attend, with all tickets selling out within a mere fifteen minutes of release, a testament to the fervor surrounding the event. In a bid to accommodate the burgeoning fan base, WNBA teams are opting to shift away from their traditional venues, prioritizing larger arenas to accommodate the increasing demand for live experiences.