Austin, Texas — Rori Harmon made history by being picked 34th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She stands out as the 14th player from Texas women’s basketball to be drafted into the WNBA.
Harmon finished her Texas career with impressive stats: 1,616 points, 977 assists, 659 rebounds, and 388 steals. These aren’t just numbers—she’s the first NCAA Division I player to hit those milestones in four key categories. Harmon now holds the school records for assists and steals, breaking records that had been unchallenged for over 40 years. Her 977 assists surpassed the previous record of 776, set in 1986, and rank her 10th in NCAA history.
In her five years at Texas, Rori started in a record 155 games. She played more minutes—687—than anyone else in the program’s history. During her time, the team boasted an impressive 136-21 record.
Harmon has received notable accolades, including being named to the Final 15 of the Wooden Award and being a four-time All-America honorable mention. She was also a two-time semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and earned the title of Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
Under her leadership, Texas women’s basketball achieved remarkable success. The team claimed three conference tournament championships and two regular season titles. They reached the Elite Eight four times and made it to two Final Fours. From the start of the 2023-24 season to the end of 2025-26, Texas recorded 103 victories, marking its most successful three-year stretch ever.
Coach Vic Schaefer praised Rori, calling her the best point guard he’s coached in 41 years. He emphasized her unique defensive skills and leadership on the court. “She’s an extension of me on the floor,” he said, highlighting her deep understanding of the game.
Statistics show how crucial Harmon has been to the program’s success. Research into WNBA draftees indicates that players with strong collegiate stats often translate that performance into professional success. In fact, according to a recent study by ESPN, about 50% of players drafted in the first three rounds typically thrive in their early seasons. If history is any guide, Rori will likely follow in that tradition.
Over the years, Texas has produced 25 players who have reached the WNBA. Each player brought something unique to the court, contributing to the program’s rich history. Rori Harmon is set to carry that legacy forward.
For those interested in further details about college athletes transitioning to professional leagues, you can check out resources like the NCAA’s official statistics and player development reports.
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