PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury rookie guard Shay Ciezki said the biggest lesson from her first WNBA preseason was learning how much value comes from elements that never appear in a box score.
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Indiana’s Shay Ciezki (10) shoots during the Indiana versus Lipscomb women’s basketball game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. © Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
After arriving in Phoenix on a training camp contract after wrapping up her collegiate career at Indiana, the undrafted rookie competed for one of the final roster spots on a veteran-heavy Mercury team built around stars such as Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper.
Although the Mercury waived her during preseason roster cuts, Ciezki made enough of an impression to earn one of Phoenix’s two developmental contracts, allowing the organization to continue investing in the promising young guard.
“My first reaction, I definitely had some tears,” Ciezki told PHNX Mercury’s Stephen PridGeon-Garner about learning she earned the contract. “… I’m full of gratitude.”
Phoenix Mercury’s Shay Ciezki (5) passes the ball to a teammate while playing against Chicago Sky on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. © Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The developmental contracts were introduced as part of the league’s new CBA, allowing teams to keep up to two players in their system for continued development. The addition gives franchises more flexibility to invest in young talent while also providing players with a more stable environment to grow without immediately seeking opportunities elsewhere.
Now with a spot in the organization, Ciezki said her biggest takeaway from preseason was learning how much value comes from the little things.
“I think the biggest lesson is to not focus so much on the basketball part of it, but the intangibles,” Ciezki said. “What you’re willing to do for the team and how big of an impact that is, even if it’s really small.”
Phoenix Mercury’s Shay Ciezki speaks on what she considers the biggest lesson she’ll take into the regular season after wrapping up camp.
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The rookie said Phoenix’s veterans reinforced the importance of communication, effort and energy rather than trying to force big moments.
“Just talking on defense, being where you need to be, being the energy player. The little stuff,” Ciezki said. “We have the ATs [Alyssa Thomas]. We have the Kahs [Kahleah Copper]. We have our players. So, the biggest thing is just how can we help them and how can we support them as much as we can.”
Ciezki embracing that mindset early matters as much as any on-court action as the regular season gets underway. Phoenix choosing to bet on continuity with veterans pushes younger players to find ways to contribute without needing the ball in their hands.
Phoenix Mercury’s Shay Ciezki (5) brings the ball up court while playing against Chicago Sky on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. © Samantha Laurey / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
For developmental players especially, understanding spacing, defensive positioning and how to complement star talent can often determine how quickly they earn trust within the organization.
As Ciezki begins her professional career in Phoenix, her ability to embrace those smaller responsibilities could ultimately shape how quickly she earns a larger role with the Mercury.
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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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