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Brief Introduction of Jackie Young
Jacquelyn “Jackie” Young is a premier American professional basketball player for the Las Vegas Aces in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Known for her versatile skills as a guard, impressive scoring ability, and staunch defense, Young has rapidly ascended as one of the league’s top players. Since being the number one overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she has become a multiple-time WNBA champion and an Olympic gold medalist, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of both her franchise and the USA national team.
Jackie Young Overview
| Full Name | Jacquelyn Young |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Princeton, Indiana, U.S. |
| Family | Linda Young (Mother), David Wayne Edwards, Sr. (Father), Terrence (Older Brother), Kiare (Younger Sister) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) |
| Profession | Professional Basketball Player |
| Team | Las Vegas Aces (WNBA) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education of Jackie Young
Jackie Young was born in Princeton, Indiana, where she was raised by her single mother, Linda Young, in a close-knit family. Growing up with two siblings, an older brother named Terrence and a younger sister named Kiare, Young’s childhood was marked by financial struggles, an experience she credits with fueling her determination to succeed. Her mother worked multiple jobs to support the family, and Young has spoken about the sacrifices her mother made to ensure her children had opportunities.
Young attended Princeton Community High School, where her prodigious basketball talent became evident. Her high school career was nothing short of legendary. She shattered records, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Indiana high school basketball history for both girls and boys with an astounding 3,268 points. She led her team to a remarkable 53-consecutive-win streak and a Class 3A state championship in 2015. Her senior year was particularly dominant, as she averaged 34.9 points per game.
Jackie Young’s Career
High School Dominance
During her four years at Princeton Community High School, Young’s teams posted an impressive 97-9 record. Her individual statistics were equally staggering, with career averages of 30.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3.5 steals per game. Her remarkable performance on the court earned her numerous accolades, including being named a McDonald’s All-American and the 2016 Naismith Prep Player of the Year.
Collegiate Success at Notre Dame
Following her historic high school career, Young played college basketball for the University of Notre Dame for three seasons, from 2016 to 2019. With the Fighting Irish, she continued her winning ways, helping the team to an NCAA championship in 2018. In her junior year, she was named the ACC Tournament MVP and was a finalist for the Cheryl Miller Award. She was known for her all-around game, becoming the first player in Notre Dame history to record two triple-doubles in a single season. Opting to forgo her senior year, she declared for the WNBA draft.
Professional Career with the Las Vegas Aces
Jackie Young was selected as the first overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft by the Las Vegas Aces. In her rookie season, she was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team. Young’s career trajectory has been one of consistent improvement. Her breakout season came in 2022 when she was named the WNBA’s Most Improved Player, a testament to her hard work and development. That same year, she was a key contributor to the Aces winning their first-ever WNBA Championship.
The success continued as Young and the Aces secured back-to-back WNBA championships in 2023. She has been selected as a WNBA All-Star multiple times and earned All-WNBA Second Team honors in 2023. Young has also played professionally overseas during the WNBA offseason in Turkey, Israel, and Australia.
Olympic Glory
Young is also a decorated international competitor. She won her first Olympic gold medal as a member of the USA’s 3×3 basketball team at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. She followed that up with a gold medal in the traditional 5×5 basketball tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she was a crucial starter for Team USA.
Jackie Young Personal Life & Family
Family is a cornerstone of Jackie Young’s life. She was raised by her mother, Linda Young, who made significant sacrifices for her and her siblings. Her older brother, Terrence, and younger sister, Kiare, also have a background in basketball. Young maintains a close relationship with her family, often crediting them for her success. She is known to be a private individual, and there is no public information regarding a current boyfriend or husband. Her social media presence is primarily focused on her basketball career and endorsements. Young has also spoken about her Christian faith, which was a significant part of her high school experience.
Awards and Achievements of Jackie Young
| Award/Honor | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| WNBA Champion | 2022, 2023 |
| Olympic Gold Medalist (5×5) | 2024 |
| Olympic Gold Medalist (3×3) | 2020 |
| WNBA Most Improved Player | 2022 |
| WNBA All-Star | 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 |
| All-WNBA Second Team | 2023 |
| WNBA All-Rookie Team | 2019 |
| NCAA Champion | 2018 |
| ACC Tournament MVP | 2019 |
| Naismith Prep Player of the Year | 2016 |
| McDonald’s All-American | 2016 |
| Indiana Miss Basketball | 2016 |
Jackie Young Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Jackie Young’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. Her primary sources of income are her WNBA salary and various endorsement deals. In May 2022, she signed a two-year contract extension with the Las Vegas Aces valued at $504,900. For the 2025 season, her base salary is reported to be $169,950. Young has also secured lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Puma, with whom she signed a multi-year deal in 2019. Additionally, she and her Aces teammates have a sponsorship agreement with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Legacy and Influence
Jackie Young’s legacy is that of a proven winner at every level of basketball. From high school championships to NCAA and WNBA titles, and Olympic gold medals, her career is a testament to her talent and work ethic. She is regarded as one of the WNBA’s elite two-way guards, known for her scoring prowess, defensive tenacity, and quiet leadership. Her journey from a challenging childhood to the pinnacle of her sport serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.
Interesting Facts about Jackie Young
- She is the all-time leading scorer in Indiana high school basketball history for both girls and boys.
- She was the first player in Notre Dame women’s basketball history to record two triple-doubles in a single season.
- Young was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 WNBA Draft.
- She won her first Olympic gold medal in the inaugural 3×3 basketball event.
- Her high school team had a 53-game winning streak.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Handle |
| @j.young5 | |
| Twitter (X) | @JackieYoung3 |
Final Words about Jackie Young
Jackie Young continues to be a dominant force in the WNBA and on the international stage. Her consistent improvement and dedication to her craft suggest that she will remain a key player for the Las Vegas Aces and Team USA for years to come. As she continues to build on her already impressive resume, her quiet determination and on-court excellence will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the sport of basketball.
