Megan McConnell joins Phoenix Mercury after record-setting Duquesne career
The Phoenix Mercury have officially signed guard Megan McConnell, the team announced Tuesday, June 3. McConnell, a former standout at Duquesne University, becomes only the third player in the program’s history to make an active WNBA roster, joining Korie Hlede (1998) and Candace Futrell (2004).A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, McConnell also becomes part of a rare sibling pairing in professional basketball. Her brother, TJ McConnell, plays guard for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, making them one of just three active brother-sister duos currently represented in the WNBA and NBA.
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McConnell’s signing comes as the Mercury aim to build on their strong early-season form, currently holding a 5-2 record, their best start since 2014.
Duquesne guard leaves mark in program record books
McConnell concluded her collegiate career as one of the most decorated players in Duquesne women’s basketball history. She holds program records in assists (660) and steals (370) and ranks second in all-time scoring with 1,795 points. Her impact extended across several categories, including school records in games played (144), career starts (136), and triple-doubles (4).Despite being 5-foot-7, McConnell amassed 1,079 rebounds, the second-highest in program history, with a 7.5 rebounds-per-game average ranking 10th all-time. She also made 209 career three-pointers, ranking sixth at Duquesne, and averaged 4.6 assists per game, good for seventh all-time.
McConnell consistently earned national and conference recognition. She was a two-time finalist for the Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award and the only mid-major player named to the 2025 Naismith Women’s Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist. Additional honors include appearing on the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Midseason Watchlist and a selection to the 2025 Lilly Women’s College All-Star Game.
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Her defensive capabilities earned her the 2025 Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year award. McConnell was also a two-time A-10 All-Conference First Team and All-Defensive Team selection. Off the court, she was recognized for academic excellence, securing three consecutive A-10 All-Academic Team honors and being named to the CSC Academic All-District® Team three times.
The Phoenix Mercury will next face the Minnesota Lynx on Tuesday, June 3, at the Target Center in a Commissioner’s Cup matchup. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET.
