Monday April 11, Ameshya Williams-Holliday was the first player from a historically Black college or university to be drafted into the WNBA since 2002.
Williams-Holliday is a senior center from Jackson State University. The Indiana Fever selected her in the third round, 25th overall.
“It’s an honor, a dream come true and a blessing to be able to be a part of history and to be able to open doors for our HBCU community,” Williams-Holliday said in a statement. “Being a trailblazer feels amazing, but there is so much more to accomplish.”
Williams-Holliday is a three-time Southwestern Atlantic Conference defensive player of the year. She received the player of the year award for the 2021-22 season.
“I’m very grateful for this opportunity to continue my career on the next level and most importantly to continue to be a great example for my son Jace and my younger siblings and for the kids in my community,” she announced. “I want every HBCU athlete to never lose hope and to know anything is possible.”
The WNBA was formed 26 years ago. The league recruited only five players from HBCUs.
“People think (HBCUs) can’t compete with other top institutions (or) a Power 5 school, but that’s not true,” she said. “I think we deserve to be on the same level. I do think if I was still at Mississippi State, I would be a first-round draft pick.”
