Jackie Young, Career Stats, Highlights, and Impact on the Las Vegas Aces

Quick Answer

Jackie Young is a 6'0" guard for the Las Vegas Aces, selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft out of Notre Dame. Through the 2026 season, she has earned five consecutive WNBA All-Star selections, won three WNBA championships with the Aces, and averaged 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in the 2026 regular season.

Key Facts

• Draft: First overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces
• College: Notre Dame (2016–2019), where she won an NCAA championship
• Championships: Three WNBA titles with the Las Vegas Aces
• All-Star selections: Five consecutive years, most recently named to Team Coop for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game
• 2025 season: Averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds (career-high), 5.1 assists, and shot 89.4% from the free-throw line
• 2025 playoffs: Averaged playoff career-highs of 20.4 points and 5.5 assists
• 2026 season: Averaging 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game
• Olympic experience: Won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 3×3 basketball
• Born: September 16, 1997, in Princeton, Indiana
• Other leagues: Has played overseas in Turkey and Israel, and for the Laces in Unrivaled

From Princeton, Indiana to the Top of the Draft

Jackie Young's basketball journey started in Princeton, Indiana, a small town in the southwestern part of the state. She attended Princeton Community High School, where she built a reputation as one of the top prospects in the country.

Her high school career culminated in a state championship, establishing the foundation for what would become a decorated basketball career. When it came time for college, Young chose Notre Dame, staying close to home while joining one of the premier women's basketball programs in the country.

Over three seasons with the Fighting Irish from 2016 to 2019, she developed into a versatile guard capable of impacting the game in multiple ways. Her sophomore and junior seasons saw her role expand significantly, and she finished her college career with an NCAA championship — the crowning achievement of her time in South Bend.

The decision to forgo her senior year at Notre Dame was a significant one. Young entered the 2019 WNBA Draft and was selected as the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces.

That selection signaled not just her individual talent, but the franchise's belief that she could be a cornerstone piece for years to come. The Aces were in the early stages of building what would become a dynasty, and Young was going to be central to that project.

The Versatility That Defines Her Game

A Guard Who Can Do Everything

Young's game has never fit neatly into a single positional box. Listed as a guard, she has played both point guard and shooting guard roles for the Aces throughout her career.

This flexibility has made her one of the most valuable players in the league — not because she leads the WNBA in any single statistical category, but because she can adapt to whatever the Aces need on any given night. In the 2026 season, Young is averaging 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

Those numbers reflect a player who scores efficiently while also facilitating for teammates. Her assist numbers, in particular, have climbed as she has taken on more playmaking responsibilities.

A season-high of 12 assists in a July game against the Toronto Tempo showcased her ability to run an offense at a high level. What stands out most about Young's scoring is its efficiency.

She is shooting 48.4% from the field and 95.0% from the free-throw line through the 2026 season. Her three-point percentage sits at 36.9%, making her a credible threat from beyond the arc while also being a strong finisher inside.

She is not a player who needs a high volume of shots to make an impact; she makes the most of the opportunities she gets.

The 2025 Season A Career Benchmark

The 2025 season was arguably the best all-around campaign of Young's career. She averaged 16.5 points and 5.1 assists per game while setting career-highs in rebounds (4.5 per game) and free-throw percentage (89.4%).

Those numbers earned her a fourth consecutive All-Star selection at the time — a streak she has since extended to five with her 2026 nod. But it was in the 2025 playoffs that Young elevated her game to another level.

She averaged playoff career-highs of 20.4 points and 5.5 assists per game, stepping up when the stakes were highest. This kind of postseason production is what separates good players from champions, and it reinforced her reputation as someone who performs under pressure.

The Aces re-signed Young in 2025, a move that underscored her importance to the franchise. For a team that has won three WNBA championships, keeping a core piece like Young in place was essential to maintaining their competitive window.

The decision was mutual: Young wanted to stay in Las Vegas, and the Aces wanted her to remain a fixture of their backcourt.

Championship Pedigree and Big-Game Performances

Three Titles and Counting

Young has been part of all three of the Aces' WNBA championships. Winning at the highest level requires more than just individual talent — it requires consistency, sacrifice, and the ability to fit into a system alongside other stars.

Young has shared the court with A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and other elite talents, and she has managed to thrive without needing to be the focal point of the offense every night. That selflessness is a hallmark of her game.

On a team with multiple All-Stars, someone has to make the extra pass, guard the opposing team's best perimeter player, and do the little things that don't show up in the box score. Young has embraced those responsibilities while still putting up strong scoring numbers.

The Late-July 2026 Stretch

A quick look at Young's game log from late July 2026 shows what she looks like when she's at her best:

• July 30 vs. New York Liberty (W, 104-99): 29 points on 7-of-11 shooting, 3-of-5 from three, 12-of-12 from the free-throw line, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 36 minutes
• July 28 vs. Portland (W, 98-83): 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting, 2 rebounds, 2 assists in 28 minutes
• July 22 at Washington (L, 99-100): 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, 7 rebounds, 7 assists in 31 minutes
• July 20 at Toronto (W, 109-83): 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting, 4-of-10 from three, 4 rebounds, 12 assists in 33 minutes

The performance against the Liberty is particularly notable. Scoring 29 points while shooting over 60% from the field and a perfect 12-for-12 from the free-throw line, all while dishing out 9 assists, demonstrates the full arsenal of her skills.

Games like that are why she was named to the All-Star team for the fifth consecutive year in 2026.

Representing Her Country

Beyond the WNBA, Young has also represented the United States on the international stage. Her most significant achievement came at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she won a gold medal in 3×3 basketball.

That format — a faster, more physical version of the game played on a half-court — suited her athleticism and versatility. She has also participated in USA Basketball training camps and national team activities, positioning herself for potential future opportunities with the senior national team.

Her ability to play multiple roles — scorer, playmaker, defender — makes her an attractive option for international competition, where roster flexibility is at a premium.

What Makes Her Valuable in the Modern WNBA

Positional Flexibility as a Competitive Advantage

The modern WNBA has moved toward positionless basketball, and Young is a prime example of how that evolution benefits teams. At 6'0" with a 165-pound frame, she has the size to guard multiple positions and the skill to create mismatches on offense.

She can bring the ball up the court, initiate the offense, or play off the ball and spot up for three-pointers. This flexibility gives the Aces options.

When Chelsea Gray is running the point, Young can slide to the shooting guard spot and focus on scoring. When Gray is on the bench, Young can take over primary ball-handling duties.

The Aces do not lose much offensive cohesion either way, which is a luxury few teams have.

Efficiency as a Core Skill

One of the most underrated aspects of Young's game is her efficiency. Shooting 48.4% from the field as a guard who creates many of her own shots is impressive.

The 95.0% free-throw percentage is elite by any standard. She rarely wastes possessions, and she does not force shots when better options exist.

This efficiency is particularly valuable in close games. When the Aces need a basket late in the shot clock or a free throw to seal a win, Young is a reliable option.

Her 12-for-12 performance from the line against the Liberty in late July was not an anomaly; it was a reflection of the consistent mechanics and mental focus she brings to every trip to the stripe.

The Re-Signing and What It Means

Young's re-signing with the Aces in 2025 was a statement of intent from both sides. For Young, staying in Las Vegas meant continuing to compete for championships alongside familiar teammates.

For the Aces, keeping Young ensured that their core remained intact as they pursued further titles. The 2026 season has continued along those lines.

Young is averaging career-high assist numbers, the team remains competitive at the top of the league, and her fifth consecutive All-Star selection confirms that she remains one of the premier guards in the WNBA.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many WNBA championships has Jackie Young won?

Jackie Young has won three WNBA championships with the Las Vegas Aces.

When was Jackie Young drafted into the WNBA?

Jackie Young was selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces.

What college did Jackie Young attend?

Jackie Young attended the University of Notre Dame from 2016 to 2019, where she won an NCAA championship.

What are Jackie Young's 2026 season averages?

Through the 2026 regular season, Jackie Young is averaging 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

Has Jackie Young won an Olympic gold medal?

Yes, Jackie Young won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 3×3 basketball.

Reference Notes

Information in this article is based on publicly available sources. Some details may change over time.

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