Notre Dame's Cassandre Prosper Drafted 19th Overall by Washington Mystics

Prosper becomes the 24th Notre Dame player drafted into the WNBA.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 3:35am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a basketball player in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.Prosper's selection by the Mystics highlights the WNBA's continued influx of young, versatile talent from the college ranks.Notre Dame Today

Cassandre Prosper, a standout guard from the University of Notre Dame, was selected 19th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Prosper, who forewent her final year of eligibility, is the 24th Notre Dame player to be drafted into the WNBA and the fourth under head coach Niele Ivey.

Why it matters

Prosper's selection highlights the continued success of the Notre Dame women's basketball program in developing WNBA-caliber talent. As the Mystics look to build on their recent playoff appearances, Prosper's versatile skillset and experience could provide an immediate boost to their roster.

The details

Prosper, a 6-3 wing, is coming off a standout junior season at Notre Dame where she was named the ACC's Most Improved Player. She averaged career-highs of 13.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 49.2% from the field and 73.8% from the free throw line. Prosper scored in double figures in 27 games, recorded six double-doubles, and had six 20-point performances.

  • Prosper announced she was forgoing her final year of eligibility at Notre Dame to enter the 2026 WNBA Draft.
  • Prosper was selected 19th overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft on April 14, 2026.

The players

Cassandre Prosper

A 6-3 wing who just completed her junior season at the University of Notre Dame, where she was named the ACC's Most Improved Player.

Niele Ivey

The Karen and Kevin Keyes Family Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of Notre Dame, who has now had four players drafted into the WNBA during her tenure.

Washington Mystics

The professional women's basketball team that selected Cassandre Prosper with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Cassandre Prosper knew what she was doing after all. While a lot of people looked at this as more of a disappointment for the Irish team next season, some wondered if this decision was a little too hasty. Well... it wasn't hasty. It's a disappointment for the Irish next season for sure, but for Prosper, being selected by the Washington Mystics with the #19 overall pick is a phenomenal success.”

— Joshua Vowles, Author

What’s next

Prosper will now join the Washington Mystics and look to contribute to their WNBA playoff push in the upcoming season.

The takeaway

Prosper's early departure from Notre Dame is a loss for the program, but her selection in the first round of the WNBA Draft validates her decision and showcases the continued ability of the Notre Dame women's basketball team to produce professional-level talent.