Maddy Siegrist (No. 20, forward) of the Dallas Wings looks forward to each game as a catalyst for her teammates. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
ARLINGTON, Texas — Maddy Siegrist continually maximizes her opportunities in her sophomore season with the Dallas Wings. Drafted last year as the overall No. 3 pick as a forward from Villanova, the 24-year-old from Poughkeepsie, New York, has seen more than her fair share of playing time this season.
So far, Siegrist has started seven of the Wings’ first nine games, greatly increasing her Minutes Played (MP) from 8.2 to 30.9. Most recently, Siegrist played for 36 minutes and tallied 21 points, six rebounds and assist in a late loss against on Friday night against the Los Angeles Sparks, 81-72.
Despite Siegrist having one of her strongest games yet in her WNBA career, like her teammates, she wants to catalyze the Wings to more wins for the team’s fourth consecutive playoff appearance later this year.
“Just continuing to be aggressive and trust the work you put in, trust the plays that we’re running,” Siegrist said. “It’s always nice to play well, but it doesn’t feel good when when you lose games.”
Still, Siegrist and her Wings teammates, including Arike Ogunbowale, Teaira McCowan, Monique Billings and Sevgi Uzun, continue to give it their all, battling through adversities and early season injuries to Jaelyn Brown (illness), Natasha Howard (foot) and Satou Sabally (shoulder).
As an integral part of the league’s fifth highest scoring team, Siegrist counts her blessings with playing for one of the most competitive Western Conference teams. From the leadership and mentoring from Latricia Trammell, head coach of the Wings, to a veteran guard like Ogunbowale, Siegrist wants to evolve and be there when the game is on the line each night.
Maddy Siegrist (No. 20) drives it to the net against the Las Vegas Aces on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at the College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
“Well, I’m really fortunate,” she said. “I got drafted to a great organization. I have a great relationship with you know Arike and Coach. And they both helped me really have the confidence to come into this season.
“We weren’t sure what the role was going to look like this year. And then, whether it was coming off the bench or starting, I told Coach, ‘I want to finish the game.’ It doesn’t matter about starting the game. But it’s a great opportunity to be in the spot I am.”
Trammell has seen Siegrist’s evolution as a rookie who got minutes off the bench last year when the Wings went 22-18, finishing second to the Las Vegas Aces in the Western Conference and ranking fourth in the overall WNBA standings.
From preseason to last year’s playoff series against the Atlanta Dream and Aces, Trammell commended Siegrist’s progress and willingness to be a total team player for the Wings.
“Maddy’s been doing incredible,” Trammell said. “Talked about her before this game as well and talk about understanding her role last season. We had multiple conversations over the off season. And she’s a true competitor. She doesn’t care if she starts or comes off the bench.
“She wants to do whatever she is needed for this team. But I just she’s a perfect example of a professional of going through your role as a rookie, coming in and then getting an opportunity. It’s not me just giving it to her. She’s earned it.”
The statistics support Trammell’s belief in Siegrist as the New Yorker has increased her points per game (PTS or PPG) from 3.7 to 14.3. Aside from her long range game beyond the arc, Siegrist has excelled in the paint, driving in with a layup or sinking a jump shot in concert with Ogunbowale’s explosive offensive efforts.
Maddy Siegrist (No. 20) and her Dallas Wings teammates, Sevgi Uzun (No. 1), Arike Ogunbowale (No. 24), Teaira McCowan (No. 15) and Monique Billings (No. 25) motivate each other to bring it each game night. (Photo: Dylan Nadwodny | The Podium Finish)
In a way, Siegrist’s game is a microcosm in the Wings’ potential to be a genuine, perennial contender in the Western Conference. After Friday night’s game against the Sparks, Trammell sang Siegrist’s praises with a bold but unwavering superlative.
“Let’s start discussing most improved player right now. Let’s throw her name in there,” she said with a smile.
While the Wings’ have a three-game home stand at College Park Center, their slate of opponents prove formidable starting on Sunday afternoon against Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury (3 p.m. CT on Bally Sports Southwest or WNBA League Pass). This particular game day features a Sneakerhead Showcase, presented by Wendy’s, in the College Park Center’s concourse.
Finishing the Commissioner’s Cup in strong fashion starts off with an absolute team effort with key players like Siegrist gaining valuable experience and confidence on the hardwood court.
“I’m just going to continue to do the best I can every night,” Siegrist said. “And I know it’s going to look different every night and still trying to give myself some grace because I forget that it’s only my probably 40 something game. I just forget the ages go out the window and you start playing.”
