Aari McDonald has quickly become one of the standout performers in the WNBA and is often seen as the Caitlin Clark WNBA replacement due to her significant impact on the court. Balancing her athletic career with rigorous academic goals, McDonald is currently pursuing a master’s degree while competing at the highest level of professional basketball.
At 26 years old, the combo guard manages a demanding schedule that intensifies during long road trips, where she juggles intense gameplay and academic responsibilities, including a challenging 12-page paper due amid a four-game stretch.
Educational Journey Fueled by Determination and Adaptability
Selected third overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft, Aari McDonald played college basketball for both Washington and Arizona, spending one season with the Huskies and four with the Wildcats, including a redshirt year. Her college career was marked by significant accolades, such as three All-Pac-12 selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a Player of the Year title.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, McDonald returned for a fifth year to use her remaining eligibility, which also allowed her to enroll in a master’s program. However, she postponed her studies during her rookie WNBA season due to mental health considerations, informing her academic program in 2022 that she needed a break.
Switching Universities to Continue Graduate Studies
Attempting to re-enroll in 2024 brought unexpected challenges as the University of Arizona denied her registration because her account had been sent to collections after her departure. McDonald initially believed her tuition would be covered by the Arizona Wildcats women’s basketball budget, but head coach Adia Barnes clarified that coverage was not possible, causing confusion and forcing McDonald to adjust her plans.
With one academic year already lost, McDonald chose to transfer to Arizona State University, where she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a testament to her adaptability and commitment to furthering her education despite setbacks.
Aari McDonald’s Vital Role with the Indiana Fever
In April, after re-signing with the Los Angeles Sparks but failing to make their final roster, McDonald became a free agent. The Indiana Fever then signed her on June 2 under an emergency hardship waiver in response to injuries to Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham. She was temporarily released when they returned but re-signed by the team on June 25.
During July, McDonald averaged 25 minutes per game, with particularly strong performances in her last three contests: scoring 10 points with four assists and three steals against Chicago; 27 points and four assists versus Phoenix; and 15 points alongside six assists in the Dallas game. These efforts have earned her praise from teammates who recognize her seamless integration as the league’s top star’s temporary replacement.
She just gets it.
Managing Academic Priorities Amid a Grueling WNBA Schedule
In addition to contributing an average of 17.3 points and 4.7 assists per game, McDonald’s academic pursuits continue unabated. Her commitment to graduate school demands she completes coursework on planes and buses during road trips. Currently, she is engaged in writing a 12-page paper due in the middle of a four-game road trip, an intense academic challenge made more difficult by the realities of travel and competition.
The paper requires adherence to strict academic formatting rules, including double spacing, Times New Roman font size 12, and APA citation style, underscoring the seriousness of her academic obligations.
McDonald is not alone in this demanding balance; fellow WNBA player Alanna Smith is also pursuing a master’s degree while maintaining her professional career. Their dedication highlights the exceptional discipline required to excel both on and off the court.