PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury rookie Monique Akoa Makani posted a heartfelt message on Instagram thanking those around her as she reflected on her first year in the WNBA.
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Mercury forward Natasha Mack (4) celebrates her steal with teammate Monique Akoa Makani (8) against the New York Liberty at PHX Arena, Aug. 30, 2025, in Phoenix. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
In her post, Akoa Makani thanked the organization for its support and trust throughout the season.
“I am forever grateful to have laid my first bricks in the W with such an incredible organization,” she writes. “Year 1 in the books. To be continued…”
Jul 9, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas (25) celebrates with teammates Kathryn Westbeld (24), Sami Whitcomb (33), Monique Akoa Makani (8) and DeWanna Bonner (24) against the Minnesota Lynx during the second half at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Akoa Makani’s journey to her rookie year was anything but linear. Born in Cameroon and having played basketball in France, she came to Phoenix as an undrafted rookie. After competing for a roster spot, she made the opening-day lineup and became a crucial part of the team’s success throughout the season, generating buzz with her play as a first-year player.
For a rookie, Akoa Makani showed a rare poise that helped her earn more minutes and make an impact on the team’s playoff position.
In 41 games with the Mercury this season, Akoa Makani averaged 7.7 points, 2.2 rebounds and 2.7 assists. She also shot 43.0% from the field and 39.8% from three.
Jun 19, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) slaps hands with guard Sami Whitcomb (33) and forward Alyssa Thomas (25) during the second half against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
The 2025 Mercury were in transition and leaned heavily on talent like Akoa Makani to defend, shoot and adapt behind veteran stars. While the team finished four wins shy of a championship, the Phoenix rookie is taking positive moments, memories and lessons learned with her.
“The victories and losses, the people I have let, the memories I have made, and above all the growth I have experienced not only as a player but also as a person all contributed to making this year so unforgettable,” Akoa Makani writes. “A special shoutout to my amazing teammates who made this whole journey so valuable and precious to me.”
Jun 1, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Mercury guard Monique Akoa Makani (8) shoots the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
In a rookie year to remember, the Mercury guard also made history. Akoa Makani became the first Cameroonian player to appear on a WNBA Finals roster, adding a dimension of international pride to her first year. Her participation connected not only fans in the desert but also those back home.
“Forever US >>>>>>>,” she wrote, finishing her post with the Mercury’s moniker for the season.
Mercury’s Monique Akoa Makani gets the 👌🏼 in!
🎥: @wlopezde #PhoenixMercury #PHXMercury #ValleyTogether pic.twitter.com/vBlXeAw14Y
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) August 10, 2025
As she looks ahead to her future, Akoa Makani’s contributions to the 2025 Phoenix Mercury won’t be forgotten and it’s safe to say she won’t forget them either.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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