Mystics second-round pick Lucy Olsen looking to make an impact like her famous Iowa predecessor

The Washington Mystics drafted a heralded player from Iowa earlier this year, but of course, it’s not Caitlin Clark – it was point guard Lucy Olsen, who was their second-round pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

She didn’t get the Clark experience, as 2024-25 was Olsen’s only year at Iowa after three at Villanova, but it was still surreal to her to be in the world that Clark had helped develop.

Now that she’s joined Clark in the WNBA, Olsen has a chance to perhaps shine early, as first-round pick Georgia Amoore has suffered an ACL injury during camp, meaning some big minutes have opened up at the point – and Olsen is ready to seize that opportunity.

“This coaching staff is amazing and they know what they’re talking about basketball court, and they build those relationships off the court, too,” Olsen said. “Playing 3×3, your IQ builds, because you have to be efficient, so I’m ready, and it’s just about controlling the controllables. Any opportunity is better than no opportunity.”

Listen to Olsen’s entire visit with Craig Hoffman above!

Lucy Olsen and the Washington Mystics fall to the Indiana Fever in OT

Olsen got her first WNBA action in a preseason matchup against the Fever.

Indiana Fever Aliyah Boston (7) and Washington Mystics Lucy Olsen (33) watch the ball Saturday, May 3, 2025, during a free throw at a preseason game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Washington Mystics in overtime, 79-74. | Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Washington Mystics and the Indiana Fever tipped off their preseason with a contest at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game was the first chance for fans to see the 2025-2026 rosters in action.

The big story ahead of the game was the absence of Fever superstar Caitlin Clark. Clark suffered an injury during Friday’s practice and was held out of Saturday’s preseason game due to an abundance of caution.

Clark’s absence robbed Hawkeye fans of the chance to see the former GOAT battle her replacement Lucy Olsen. After transferring from Villanova before the 2024-2025 season, Olsen was tasked with replacing Clark as Iowa’s best player.

In her lone season with the Hawkeyes, Olsen led the team in points (17.9) and assists (5.1) per game en route to being selected by the Mystics with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

The fans were given a solid preseason game, minus the two former Iowa stars squaring off.

Both teams were debuting new-look rosters for the first preseason game. One of the new additions was Lucy Olsen. In 14 minutes off the bench, Olsen did not have a major impact during her first WNBA game.

She scored two points, making one basket in six attempts. She did not register any other stats and had a minus-18 plus-minus. Olsen will look to improve in her second preseason game on May 7 in Washington, D.C.

The former Iowa star is attempting to acclimate to the pro game and aims to carve out a significant role on a rebuilding Mystics squad. The Mystics have one more preseason game before tipping off the season at home in DC on May 16 against the Atlanta Dream.