Persistence and dedication to her game are the source of great pride
for Krystal Vaughn (Baltimore/Lake Clifton-Eastern). The senior finished
her career at VCU with a loss at Michigan in the WNIT March 24, and
thereafter, began to put the hardwood behind her to look to a career
in sports management.
For Vaughn, still adjusting to life as an ex-Ram, hardly 48
elapsed after the Michigan game before she was invited to the
WNBA pre-draft combine in Tampa, Fla.
“I had a great workout. I really showed my best,” Vaughn
said. “(Before), I had no idea I had a shot at the WNBA.”
The Washington Mystics selected Vaughn in the third round,
34th overall, in the 2008 WNBA Draft, held April 9.
“It was shocking . Such a surprise,” Vaughn said.
What made the selection even more surprising was that the
Mystics didn’t contact her personally throughout the pre-draft
process. Not once. She heard the news while watching the
draft live on TV.
“San Antonio and Minnesota were the only teams that
expressed any interest,” Vaughn said.
A native of Baltimore with family in Washington, Vaughn
feels right at home joining the Mystics. She’s been a fan of
the team since its inception in 1998.
“I had an opportunity to meet a bunch of players when I
was a kid,” Vaughn said. “I came to a couple games and went
in the locker room and hung out with them at ESPN Zone in
Washington.”
The process since the combine has been a whirlwind. First,
the combine preceding the draft, then, a visit to friends and
family, followed by a three-day league orientation this past weekend
in Chicago.
“It’s been extremely tiring. At one point, I got upset, because it’s
happened so fast. I try to stay positive . I’ve never made a quick transition,”
Vaughn said. “Orientation was a long three days of everything
in the WNBA.”
Because of scheduling conflicts at Verizon Center – the Mystics’ home
arena – the team has held camp at nearby Trinity College in Washington
since April 20. Vaughn has made the downtown Embassy Suites her
temporary residence, but hopes to be living in an apartment soon-a sign
she’s made the opening-day roster.
“I feel like I’ve already made it when we’re just starting camp. There’s the
possibility I could still get cut any day,” Vaughn said. “They say ‘good job’ when
you do something right, but it’s tough to read those coaches. They keep a
straight face.”
Washington is where Vaughn wants to be, but she would welcome
the opportunity to play professionally elsewhere if it doesn’t work out
with the Mystics.
“I still get to fulfill my dream,” she said. “Maybe even play in
Europe.”
The reaction to the news of Vaughn’s WNBA selection has been
understandably encouraging around Richmond.
“I walked through campus; the men’s basketball team was very
supportive,” Vaughn said. “A lot of people, who I haven’t even
talked to (before), told me good luck.”
Vaughn is the second member of the Rams to have ties to the
Mystics. Coach Beth Cunningham played one season in 2000.
Vaughn is the first member of the VCU women’s basketball team
to be drafted, or even to be invited to the combine, but she thinks
she will have company soon.
“I see next year Quanitra (Hollingsworth) (Chesapeake/Great Bridge),
of course, Raddy (Radoslava Bachvarova) (Varna, Bulgaria/Daytona
Beach CC), Kita (Waller) (Gainesville, Ga./Gainesville). You never
know,” Vaughn said. “I see potential in all of them. You’ve got to
be dedicated, hard working and stay positive.”
As a junior, Vaughn put up significant numbers to which the
Colonial Athletic Association and scouts took notice. She made 20
starts and averaged 15.6 points per game in the 2006-2007 season.
As a senior, she averaged 6.3 rebounds and 15.6 points in 33 games
and earned CAA all-first team honors.
“I wish my girls the best of luck. I feel like I’m (still) a part of the
team,” Vaughn said. “I want them to know I didn’t get here by an
angel coming down. I worked hard and I never gave up. Coaches
yell at you, but it benefits you to make you successful.”
Washington opens its season May 17 at Indiana. Vaughn
would make her home debut May 25 against Houston. Mystics
fans are known for showing up in bulk-the team has led
the league in attendance for five seasons.
Vaughn hasn’t forgotten about the classroom, despite
being swept up in the moment.
“I’m finishing up my classes online. I just have
two finals left,” Vaughn said. The two classes are
all that separate her from her diploma.