A standout rookie season for Lexi Held signals a bright future for DePaul alums in the WNBA. Held joined the Phoenix Mercury this season and delivered solid numbers, averaging 5.3 points, 1.1 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Early in the year, she made clear what she brings to the table: she’s a capable shooter who flashed notable performances in the season’s first stretch.
Her most memorable game came against the Golden State Valkyries, where Held poured in 24 points with two assists and a steal. Her strong showing contributed to Phoenix’s efforts, and like many of the Mercury’s rookies, she emerged as a hidden gem worth watching.
Held went undrafted in 2022, spent time overseas, and eventually found a home with the Mercury. A DePaul alum, she is part of a long line of Blue Demons who have reached the WNBA, now numbering 11 players from the program who have appeared in the league.
DePaul’s WNBA lineage stretches back to 1997, when a handful of players entered the newly formed league. Kim Williams, who attended DePaul from 1995 to 1997, was picked by the Utah Starzz in the fourth round. Her college finale was extraordinary, averaging 25.1 points, 5.6 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 4 steals, which helped spark her professional journey that followed, including a two-year stint with Utah and later extensive overseas play.
Latasha Byears joined the league in 1997 after a training camp invitation from the Sacramento Monarchs. She thrived in her four seasons there, posting a 1998 campaign of 14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and an assist per game. Byears would later be traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she contributed to two championships, with additional stops including the Washington Mystics and the Houston Comets in subsequent years.
Another DePaul standout, Mfon Udoka, entered the WNBA in 1998 with the Detroit Shock and later spent time with the Comets and the Sparks after a brief rookie stint. Over the years, more DePaul players have made the leap, including Allie Quigley, who spent time with the Mercury, and Aneesah Morrow, who followed her path from DePaul to the college ranks before stepping into the league.
Held’s performance this season suggests she’ll continue to represent DePaul on a larger stage next year. For the latest updates on Lexi Held and her ongoing journey, follow us on X at MercuryOnSI.
