As the highly anticipated start of the new WNBA season approaches on May 14th, teams are gearing up for the draft day spectacle, with hopes of securing future superstars to bolster their rosters. Adding to the excitement, fans will have the opportunity to attend the marquee event, marking a return to in-person draft gatherings for the first time since 2014-2016 when the drafts were held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Among the top prospects generating buzz for the coveted number one draft pick is Iowa’s standout guard, Caitlin Clark. Alongside Clark, a total of 14 other players have received invitations for the draft, including notable names like Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards.

However, amidst the anticipation surrounding the draft prospects, fans have been left wondering about the absence of Caitlin Clark’s teammate, Gabbie Marshall, from the list of invited players. Marshall, who boasts an impressive career record of representing the Hawkeyes in 166 games, holds the distinction of playing the most games among any Big Ten women’s basketball players. Yet, her name is notably absent from both the invited players list and the WNBA draft proceedings.

It has since been revealed that Marshall’s primary focus lies elsewhere, namely her academic pursuits. Despite her eligibility for the WNBA draft, Marshall never formally announced her intention to enter the draft, as her key priority remained on her studies and the collegiate basketball season. In a statement to the media, Marshall expressed a bittersweet sentiment as she reflected on her final year, emphasizing her commitment to cherishing every moment with her teammates and savoring the memories both on and off the court.

Looking ahead, Marshall has outlined her plans for the future, having graduated from Iowa in 2023 with a degree in Health and Human Physiology. Her next endeavor involves pursuing a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy at North Carolina. While she meets the eligibility criteria to enter the WNBA draft, Marshall’s decision to prioritize her academic and career aspirations underscores her unique journey and individual priorities.

It’s worth noting that WNBA draft eligibility requirements dictate that potential prospects must be at least 22 years old and have no remaining college eligibility, or alternatively, they must renounce any remaining college eligibility. These regulations have been in place since 2014, shaping the landscape of the draft and influencing players’ decisions regarding their future paths in basketball and beyond.

While Gabbie Marshall’s basketball career may have reached its conclusion, her lasting impact alongside Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin as part of the iconic trio will be remembered for generations to come. The bond forged through years of shared experiences, both on and off the court, has cemented their legacy as pioneers in the sport. Marshall reflected on their journey, emphasizing the importance of their camaraderie and the guidance of Coach Bluder in shaping their success.

Interestingly, Marshall’s path mirrors that of her father, who also had a notable career in college basketball. Following in his footsteps, Marshall’s father played for four years at Bellarmine University in Louisville before pursuing a Master’s degree in business administration from Indiana University. Currently, he holds a prominent position as an executive vice president at a global intelligent power management company, showcasing a similar trajectory of success in a different field.

As Marshall transitions into a new chapter of her life, her contributions to the Hawkeyes’ back-to-back appearances in the finals have left an indelible mark on the NCAA basketball landscape. Despite falling short in both championship games, the team’s resilience and tenacity have elevated the stature of women’s college basketball to new heights, garnering widespread attention and admiration.

Looking ahead to the WNBA draft, while Marshall herself won’t be among the featured players, her teammate Caitlin Clark is poised to be the top pick. With the Indiana Fever holding the coveted first selection for the second consecutive year, anticipation runs high for another potential Rookie of the Year contender, reminiscent of former South Carolina star Aliyah Boston’s selection last year.

The excitement surrounding women’s basketball continues to reach unprecedented levels, as evidenced by record-breaking viewership leading up to the NCAA final. The championship game between the Gamecocks and Hawkeyes drew a staggering 18.7 million viewers, underscoring the growing popularity and appeal of the sport. Even with limited ticket availability, demand remains fervent, with tickets selling out within minutes of being released. In response, WNBA teams are opting to relocate to larger venues to accommodate the surge in fan interest, signaling a promising future for women’s basketball on the professional stage.