WNBA’s latest award winner on the brink of elimination

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Jessica Shepard #32 of the Dallas Wings is guarded by Kayla Thornton #5 of the Golden State Valkyries in the third quarter of Game 1 of the first round of the WNBA Playoffs at Chase Center on September 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. | Getty Images Dallas Wings forward Jessica Shepard was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player after securing 29 of 74 media votes, the league announced Wednesday. Shepard averaged 14.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in her first season with the Wings, a substantial increase from her 8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in the prior year. Now, Shepard looks to stave off elimination with the Wings, who are down 0-1 in their best-of-three first-round playoff series against the Golden State Valkyries in Game 1. Shepard struggled mightily in that one, going scoreless while shooting 0-for-7 from the field and grabbing just 3 rebounds (on the season, she averages 14.5 points and 11.1 rebounds per game). Jessica Shepard edged out Shakira Austin, Carla Leite for MIP Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin came in second with 25 votes, and Portland Fire guard Carla Leite finished with 11 votes. Toronto Tempo guard Marina Mabrey finished with 4 votes, Seattle Storm forward Dominique Malonga with 3, and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rae Burrell with 2. Here’s how the top 3 vote-getters stacked up statistically: Shepard was highly effective last season, too, but had a more limited bench role with the Minnesota Lynx. In Dallas, she became a featured player and was named an All-Star for the first time in her career. Austin became more efficient, especially from beyond the arc, and more durable. The Mystics center also established herself as one of the best rim protectors in the league. Leite, meanwhile, made a massive jump in her sophomore season after being picked up by the Portland Fire in WNBA expansion. Leite had the largest jump in scoring and efficiency, but was not able to impact winning as much as Shepard and Austin. So far, winning a postseason award has spelled doom for WNBA players and coaches alike. Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles won Rookie of the Year and was subsequently eliminated from the playoffs, as was her head coach, Cheryl Reeve, who accepted her Coach of the Year honor a day before the elimination. The Wings will face the Valkyries for a must-win Game 2 on Wednesday night.

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