Aari McDonald might be the most impressive player in the WNBA right now. Some people (myself included) might refer to her as Caitlin Clark’s replacement but she is so much more than just her job.
The 26-year-old combo guard is currently working on a second degree while also playing on the highest level of professional basketball at the same time.
It is an impressive pursuit that requires her to live a very busy life. Especially when she is on the road!
A Master’s Degree is not easy!
The No. 3 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA Draft played college basketball at Washington and Arizona. McDonald spent one season with the Huskies and four seasons with the Wildcats, including a redshirt. She was thrice named as an All-Pac-12 player, twice named as the Defensive Player of the Year and once named as the Player of the Year.
McDonald had already completed her bachelor’s degree when she decided to return to Tucson for a fifth and final year of eligibiility. That allowed her to start a master’s program, but not finish.
Even though she continued to work on her degree during her rookie season with the Atlanta Dream, she ultimately decided to take a break for mental health reasons. McDonald informed the academic program of her decision in 2022.
Aari McDonald went back to (a new) school.
An attempt to return to class in 2024 turned up problems. Arizona would not let her register because she had been turned over to collections after her departure.
Aari McDonald was under the impression that finances were going to be handled by the Wildcats’ women’s basketball budget. Head coach Adia Barnes was not sure where that understanding came from because it is not possible. That confusion forced her to pivot.
With one year already down, the fourth-year WNBA player decided to go back to school in 2024. Arizona did not finish paying for her master’s degree so she was forced to join the dark side at Arizona State.
McDonald is currently working on a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
The Indiana Fever need her.
Fast forward to April. McDonald resigned with the Los Angeles Sparks but she did not make the final roster and became a free agent.
The Indiana Fever picked her up on June 2 via emergency hardship waiver after injuries to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. She was let go on June 13 upon their return. She was re-signed on June 25.
Aari McDonald averaged 25 minutes per game with the Indiana Fever in the month of July. Her last three outings were especially strong.
- at Chicago — 10 points, two rebounds, four assists, three steals
- vs. Phoenix — 27 points, four assists, two steals
- at Dallas — 15 points, four rebounds, six assists
Her teammates are thrilled with her performance in place of the biggest star in the league.
If an average of 17.3 points and 4.7 assists per game was not impressive enough, Aari McDonald is still right in the middle of grad school. Class does not stop because the WNBA season is underway.
That requires her to work on assignments on the plane and on the bus before and after games and practices. She is currently working on a 12-page paper right in the middle of a four-game road trip!
And to answer your question, yes, the paper must be written in APA format with double spacing and Times New Roman size 12 font. It is the real deal.
I know Aari McDonald signed up for this grind, and I know she is not the only WNBA player or athlete to do so. Alanna Smith is also getting her Master’s. That does not make their busy schedule any less impressive!