Washington Mystics point guard Lucy Olsen’s mother is a two-time breast cancer survivor.
The Washington Mystics selected Lucy Olsen in the second round, 23rd overall, of Monday night’s WNBA draft in 2025.
She was drafted toward the middle of the second round, ahead of the 3rd round mock drafts had predicted.
Olsen, 21, played her first three college seasons at Villanova and transferred to Iowa for the 2024-25 season.
Lucy averaged 17.9 points per game with Iowa and started in 32 games this season.
She scored a season-high 32 points against Nebraska on February 10, 2025, and tallied a season-high 12 assists against Murray State on March 22, 2025.
Iowa head coach Jan Jensen reacted to the news on social media, saying the Mystics “got a good one.” He took to his Twitter handle and wrote,
Another Hawkeye is heading to the @wnba … @LucyOlsenbball is heading to The Washington Mystics!🙌🏼 Let’s Goooo!!!! We’re so happy for you, Luce! And, we love you! 😊 @WashMystics you got a good one! Enjoy her! We sure did!
Jan Jensen
In a news release from the University of Iowa, Jensen said she is “beyond thrilled” for Olsen.
She is the 6th Hawkeye to be drafted into the WNBA since 2019. Last year, Caitlin Clark took the No.1 pick, and Kate Martin was selected in the second round, No. 18 overall.
Lucy Olsen’s Parents Have Been Constant Supporters Throughout Her Basketball Journey
The Washington Mystics’ point guard Lucy Olsen’s father, Roland Olsen, and mother, Kelley Olsen, have been her sources of inspiration.
Her father Roland’s Twitter handle shows he serves as the coach and chauffeur. He has also mentioned that he is a fierce defender of female’s rights to play sports in fair and safe environments.
In December 2024, when Lucy suffered a knee injury following a fall in one of Iowa’s practices in Cancun, her father, Roland, thanked everyone for their concern and detailed the injury more deeply on his Twitter handle. He wrote,
Stitches Happen! aka It’s Just a Flesh Wound: Thanks to everyone who has checked on Lucy and her knee. She had a freak trip and fall while leaving the raised playing surface and landed flush on the sharp edge of the court.
Roland Olsen
Lucy shares a close bond with her father, Roland. In March 2025, Lucy shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to her father on Instagram, calling him the “Best dad ever!”
On the other hand, Lucy’s mother, Kelley, is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She was afflicted on one side in 2012, when Lucy was 9, then again 18 months later on the other.
She appeared at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in February 2025 to support her daughter and also mentioned that she has been clear of cancer for more than a decade. Before the match, Kelley said,
“I’m hoping to be able to keep it together,” “It’s amazing and wonderful what Iowa does with their jerseys. It’s another level of Iowa Nice, that they thought to do this.”
Kelley Olsen
With a huge smile, Kelley came out with Lucy during the starting-lineup introductions. In March 2025, Lucy honored her mother at the Pink Out basketball match for breast cancer awareness.
However, Roland and Kelley’s support paid off as their daughter Lucy was drafted into the Washington Mystics.
Lucy Olsen Grew Up As The Middle Child In A Trio Of Sisters
Lucy Olsen grew up playing basketball with her elder sister, Olivia, and younger sister, Lila Olsen.
Olivia was the first to support Lucy’s passion for basketball. Lucy tagged along to Olivia’s games in Montogomery County, Pennsylvania, as a kid.
She used to dribble on the sideline or join in during practice.
On the other hand, Lucy’s youngest sister, Lila, a volleyball player, received several awards from the Spring-Ford High School volleyball team.
She also received a certificate from the Pennsylvania Volleyball Association for her performance during the 2024 interscholastic season.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Lucy Olsen helped the USA U21 squad to first place at the 2023 FIBA 3*3 U23 Nations League Final in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
- Olsen was named to the Big East All-Rookie Team in her freshman season at Villanova. She was named to the All-Big East Second Team in her sophomore season and earned first-team All-Big 5 accolades.
- She is in a relationship with Trinity Tigers Guard Grayson Herr.
