Jackie Young Has Already Won, But She's Not Done

If you ask WNBA star Jackie Young what she's most proud of, she won't lead with her championship trophies (though there are three of them, plus two Olympic gold medals). Instead, she'll say she's proud to have learned to love with the process of getting better; that things like early mornings, the weight room, and discipline are actually the whole point. This philosophy has made her one of the most decorated and grounded players in the WNBA—and it's exactly why she's joined Skechers' basketball roster. As an Official WNBA Partner, Skechers is increasingly betting big on women's sports, and Young's dedication and self-confidence make her the perfect ambassador for the brand. The Las Vegas Aces star joined Marie Claire editor in chief, Nikki Ogunnaike, for a conversation about legacy, gratitude, and what it really means to never settle.

Marie Claire: Going No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft is a lot of pressure to walk into. Did that moment feel like fuel, or was there a period where you had to find your footing?

Jackie Young: Being selected No. 1 overall in the WNBA Draft was a huge honor, but it also came with a lot of expectations. There was a period where I had to find my footing, adjusting to the pace of the league and learning from my teammates. But that experience pushed me to work harder and stay focused, and ultimately, motivated me to grow as a player and embrace every challenge that comes my way.

MC: You came into the league as a point guard, but now you're contributing across multiple positions. Was that evolution intentional, or did it just kind of happen?

JY: Throughout my career, I've prioritized doing whatever it takes to put my team in the best position to succeed. With that mindset comes a natural evolution—understanding what the team needs and putting in the work behind the scenes to show up at your best for your teammates, both on and off the floor.

MC: You won the Most Improved Player award in 2022—what actually changed that year? What did you do differently?

JY: In 2022, I really focused on expanding my game and becoming more confident on the court. I continued to put in the extra work in the off-season, both physically and mentally, to make sure I was ready to take on a bigger role. I think my commitment to growth and consistency made all the difference that year.

MC: Three championships in four years is incredible. What does it take to not get too comfortable and to keep pushing when you've already won?

JY: Winning three championships in four years is something I'm really proud of, but it's important not to get comfortable. For me, it's about always finding ways to improve and setting new goals, both individually and as a team. Our culture is built around hard work and accountability, so we push each other to stay sharp and never settle. Every season brings new challenges, and I remind myself that there's always more to accomplish. That mindset keeps me motivated and hungry to keep pushing, no matter how much we've already achieved.

MC: What does your mental reset look like during a long season when things aren't clicking?

JY: I just try to stay present and trust in the work that I put in every day. I remind myself constantly that basketball is a game of runs—sometimes things aren't going to go your way, and that's okay. It's important to keep that voice in your head focused on the things that you can control when things might not be clicking in the ways that you hope for.

MC: With Skechers now officially supporting the WNBA, what excites you most about its commitment to the league and its players? How do you think this investment will inspire the next generation of female athletes?

JY: I'm really excited about Skechers officially supporting the WNBA. Their commitment means more resources and visibility for the league and its players, which helps us continue to grow and reach new fans. It's amazing to see a brand invest in women's basketball and believe in our potential. I look forward to seeing more players rocking Skechers basketball shoes on the court—it's a great sign of progress and partnership. I think this kind of support will inspire the next generation of female athletes by showing them that their dreams are valid and that there are companies willing to stand behind them. With this kind of backing, we feel empowered to keep raising the standard and showing what's possible in women's sports.

MC: You've been in the league since 2019. How different does it feel now for the players, the fans, and what's actually possible?

JY: The league has changed a lot since I came in back in 2019. There's so much more visibility and support now, not just for the players, but for the game as a whole. You can feel the energy from the fans, both in the arenas and online. It's amazing to see how passionate people are about the WNBA, especially now as the league is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Partnerships like the one with Skechers have really helped elevate the league and create more opportunities for players both on and off the court. As a Skechers athlete, I'm proud to be part of that growth. The level of competition keeps rising, and it feels like the possibilities for what we can achieve are bigger than ever.

MC: You've won Olympic gold twice—in 3x3 at Tokyo and 5x5 at Paris. Two totally different games. Which one surprised you more?

JY: Winning Olympic gold in both 3x3 and 5x5 was incredible, and each one was different in its own way. I think Tokyo stands out because 3x3 is just a completely different style of play—the pace and physicality make it feel like a whole different game. Paris was special, too. Playing 5x5 with and against the best in the world is always an honor, and the physicality of international basketball really changes the game every time. Both were amazing experiences, and just being able to compete for Team USA means a lot.

MC: Does being the No. 1 pick still mean something to you, or has that been replaced by everything that came after?

JY: Being a No. 1 pick will always mean a lot to me. It was a huge milestone and something I'm really proud of. But as my career has progressed, I've realized what matters most is what you do after that moment. The championships, the growth, and the impact I've been able to make with my teammates and in the league have become even more important. I still appreciate being a top pick, but everything that's come after has really defined who I am as a player.

MC: What do you wish someone had told you when you were a kid trying to figure out if this could actually be your life?

JY: Staying where my feet are. It's easy to get caught up chasing championships or the next level, but as I've gotten deeper into my career, I've learned to truly fall in love with the process of getting better. The little things—taking care of my body, embracing the weight room, maintaining a healthy diet—have become the foundation that's allowed me to keep progressing.

MC: What do you want people to say about Jackie Young when it's all said and done?

JY: I just hope people understand how grateful I am for the game of basketball. It's taken me places I never could have imagined and introduced me to some incredible people who share the same love for it. I feel really fortunate to wake up every day and do what I love.