Langston University Student Graduates, Looks Forward To WNBA Career

A Langston University women’s basketball player celebrated two recent milestones: Graduating from college and signing a contract to play in the WNBA.

The Minnesota Lynx recently agreed to bring on Langston grad Asheika Alexander back in April. She is the first graduate of a historically Black college or university to sign with the Lynx and the sixth to sign with a WNBA team.

“It's an amazing feeling to be first at anything,” Alexander said. “Just knowing that I was able to do it and to know people are going to follow after me is an amazing feeling.”

Langston head coach Elaine Powell describes Alexander’s game as a scorer first. She averaged just under 22 points per game (21.8) during her senior season.

Powell said she always knew she would be destined for greatness.

“She has the talent. I think I've been preaching to her from day one since she got here,” Powell said. “She has to kick it up to that next level because I saw that she can make it at the next level. You got to be the best player on the court every time you step out on the court.”

Alexander transferred to Langston University after giving birth to her son a couple of years ago.

She said her biggest takeaway from playing with the Langston Lions was how much support she received. An HBCU wasn't her first choice, but she encourages other athletes to strongly consider those kinds of programs.

“I was one of those people to think, in order to get to the next level in the professional world, you have to go to top Division 1 schools,” Alexander said. “But as long as you do what you have to do on the court and you're performing every night and you're consistent, putting your team in successful situations to win, then they'll find you anywhere.”

As Alexander's professional career is about to take off, what makes her the proudest is that her son was able to see his mother fight through adversity to accomplish her dreams.

The Lynx recently waived Alexander. She is assessing an injury, which will determine her future with the club.