Although pretty much everyone knew that the Seattle Storm was going to pick Breanna Stewart for their number 1 draft pick this year, no one was 100 percent certain—and no one was sure at all about who else the team might choose for the 2016 season. When Lexi Eaton Rydalch’s name was called, she was just as surprised as everyone else. Eaton Rydalch was selected in the third round of the draft this week, the 26^th pick overall. She stands at 5’10 and attended school at Bingham Young University after growing up in Mapleton, Utah.

Eaton Rydalch says that she had no idea what to expect. “I had been talking to my agent, and she gave me bits and pieces of info. But I have to say that I didn’t know what to expect. I was definitely on the edge of my seat.” Nonetheless, she says that she is very happy about the news. “I absolutely love Seattle. I love the scenery and the overall feel of the city. In fact, I’ve always said that I would love to live in Seattle at some point. I’ve just kind of fallen in love with the city and the scenery up there, so I’m super excited.”

She had an average of 24.2 points during her career in college. She is famous for leading the Cougars in scores all four years at BYU. She’s making history as the fourth player that has been drafted from BYU as well. Some of her other major achievements include being named 2015-16 West Coast Conference Player of the Year, becoming the WCC’s all-time leading scorer and an AP All-America honorable mention. During her senior year, she ended up being the fifth scorer in the nation. She says she knows how to score from a wide variety of positions and can bring that to the team.

What do you think of the Storm’s latest player? Are you excited to see Lexi Eaton Rydalch become a part of the team? Since Seattle’s roster will be cut after spring training is over, there’s a chance that it will be short-lived—just as every player who is training is walking on the same precipice. Do you think she will make it?

Who do you think should definitely make the cut and who do you think the Storm can sacrifice this year?  Narrowing down 19 players to 12 is going to be one tough job.

Photo courtesy of Wikipedia