Que Orgullo: Esmery Martínez Makes History as First Dominican Player in WNBA Draft 

Que Orgullo: Esmery Martínez Makes History as First Dominican Player in WNBA Draft 
Credit: WNBA

Latinas continue to make history! 

Esmery Martínez has been drafted by the New York Liberty as the 17th pick in the WNBA draft, making her the first Dominican player to join the prestigious women’s basketball league. This marks a significant milestone for Martínez and sets the stage for her to showcase her talent on the world’s biggest stage for women’s basketball. 

According to the WNBA, she stands at an impressive 6’2″, bringing a formidable presence to the court, particularly excelling in rebounding. With her sights set on success in the WNBA, Martínez has worked tirelessly to enhance her skills and adapt her game to meet the demands of the league. Joining the ranks of the New York Liberty, Martínez will be part of a talented lineup that includes stars like Sabrina Ionescu, Kennedy Burke, Nyara Sabally, and MVP candidate Breanna Stewart. 

The selection of Esmery Martínez also marks a proud moment for the University of Arizona, which now boasts two draft picks in the same draft since 2021. Previously, Aari McDonald was chosen by the Atlanta Dream, and Trinity Baptiste went to the Indiana Fever. This demonstrates the growing recognition of the university’s basketball program and its ability to develop top-tier talent for the professional ranks. 

What’s Next for Emery Martínez?

The WNBA training camp is set to commence on April 28th, followed by preseason games starting on May 3rd. With the final roster cuts scheduled for May 13th, the regular season is slated to kick off on May 14th, offering Martínez the opportunity to make her mark in the league from the outset. 

Martínez’s selection is a source of inspiration for aspiring basketball players across the Dominican Republic and other Latin American and Caribbean countries.  

There’s a lot of misconception about women in sports, but they are just as capable as their male counterparts. So, make sure you support them as much as you’d support other teams with male players. This is the route to progress and inclusion.  

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