With the 2024 WNBA Playoffs around the corner, Marina Mabrey is having some big games with her new team, the Connecticut Sun. Despite losing to the Indiana Fever last night by four points, Mabrey continues to make her presence felt with the Sun. In her past three games, she scored 55 points, the most on her team during this stretch. Playing on a team that recently clinched its spot in the playoffs, Mabrey is putting her name on the map. No matter the level we play at, being adaptable and having a strong mental game is key to overcoming the pressure of the moment, and Mabrey is an example of this in action.
Having Adaptability in the Big Leagues
Adaptability is crucial, as constant change in a game, season, and life in general requires mental strength to handle redirection. Mabrey knows what it’s like to have to make switches in her career: She’s played for four teams during her six-year WNBA career, and transitioning to a top team in the league right before an Olympic break can be a big change. But Mabrey was well prepared and wanted this transition. “Being a part of a team like this that is so disciplined with a championship mindset, I haven’t been a part of that yet,” Mabrey said. She wanted this competitive move, and she wants to help her team go all the way.
The Mental Game
On paper, Mabrey was definitely in a tough position. Getting traded to one of the top teams in the league before the WNBA Olympic break and playoffs, her mental game had to be on par with her physical game to deliver when many eyes were on her performance. Mabrey was asked about her mindset going into the Sky game during the halftime sideline interview. “I just want to come out there and give them everything I could…I just wanted to come out there and do my best,” Mabrey said. She didn’t have time to worry about the past, even though she was playing her previous team. It’s now all about staying present with her new team and focusing on the future.
“I just want to do what the team needs. Some games I might start. Some games I might not. I just want to help us get a ring.”
In a post-game interview against the Sky, Mabrey’s new teammate on the Sun, Alyssa Thomas, was asked what she saw out of Mabrey that impressed her. “I mean, everything that we’ve been seeing when we play against her. She’s aggressive, she’s able to create shots, and she draws a lot of defense…She was a huge spark for us and I think she really took over the game today,” Thomas said. Joining a top team and being confident in your ability to be a difference maker is a true display of a strong mental game, and that’s what Mabrey possesses.
As a former Division 1 athlete at Notre Dame, Mabrey is used to putting herself in high-demanding environments, developing adaptability and determination from these experiences. Notre Dame is a program with a deep and elite basketball program, which drew Mabrey to the school. “I saw the excellence in the basketball program, and I wanted to have that really high intensity and really high level program,” Mabrey said. She spoke on how there was also a sense of family and protection with her sister there. Without getting much playing time during her freshman season despite being a high-level recruit, Mabrey’s sister helped her navigate those tough feelings. Now, Mabrey is a top professional player, pushing herself to rise to the occasion, and furthering her team’s success.
A Team Effort
Mabrey spoke on how important the team culture was in accepting her this late in the season. “When you get a new player and you are used to your chemistry, you have to sacrifice for that player. I appreciate that,” Mabrey said after the Sky game. She also understood that the team is adjusting to her presence. With 24 points in 24 minutes off of the bench, Mabrey spoke on this in a humble manner. “I just want to do what the team needs. Some games I might start. Some games I might not. I just want to help us get a ring,” she said. This mentality is crucial for a team to achieve a collective goal together while adjusting to change and unpredictability.
There was no doubt that Mabrey’s physical ability and skill would take her far in college and professional basketball. But when we are confronted with new challenges, environments, and expectations, it’s the mental game that comes through and helps us perform at the highest level. Mabrey continues to showcase her mental and physical fortitude, shining bright in the WNBA.
