WASHINGTON (7News) – Lauren Betts arrived in Washington with high hopes after a standout college career, but like most rookies, the adjustment to the WNBA wasn’t immediate.
Midway through her first pro season, the rookie is starting to see why the Mystics believe she can be one of the franchise’s building blocks.
Betts said the biggest change was learning to trust herself while adapting to the speed and physicality of professional basketball.
“I feel like you just get used to it. It’s an adjustment,” Betts said. “We had a very quick transition from college to the pros, so for me it’s just focusing on my process every day and taking it day by day.”
Instead of trying to force anything, Betts said she found success by letting the games come to her.
“When I’m not rushed, when I’m not thinking too much or in my head, I just play and let the game come to me,” she said.
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That growing confidence was fueled by veteran teammates, especially center Shakira Austin. Betts credited Austin for challenging her and fellow 2026 first-round pick Angela Dugalic.
“I feel like (Austin) just constantly brings confidence and energy to (Dugalich) and myself,” Betts said. “Even in practice, she continues to maintain the standard every day, and I feel like we know what to expect when we come.”
Mystics head coach Sydney Johnson said the team has seen Betts improve.
“She just feels more comfortable,” Johnson said. “Whether it’s being at the rim not just to score but to make plays, she’s more focused on defensive concepts and slides, and those things take time to learn.”
Johnson added that the coaching staff watches Betts grow every day in practice, so her recent performances within the team are not as surprising as they may seem from the outside.
“We see really good things from (Betts) every day,” Johnson said. “The sky is the limit.”
For Betts, the goal remains simple. As she continues to adjust to the pace of the WNBA and trust her work, both she and the Mystics believe her best basketball is yet to come.
“Her career is just beginning and she’s already making an impact,” Johnson said. “It’s really exciting to see where she grows up here in Washington.”