Jackie Young Reflects on Aces’ Third WNBA Championship, Celebrates With Raising Cane’s ‘Shift’ on the Strip

Jackie Young’s journey from quiet contributor to cornerstone of a dynasty has been defined by precision, patience, and poise. Days after helping the Las Vegas Aces secure their third WNBA championship in four years, the “Silent Assassin” swapped her jersey for an apron, working a celebratory “shift” at Raising Cane’s flagship restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip.

The All-Star guard served fans, took orders, and posed for photos — a fitting celebration for a player whose leadership has helped set the standard for excellence in Las Vegas.

A Dynasty Built on Resilience

The Aces’ 2025 season tested every layer of their championship DNA.

After enduring a 53-point loss that left them sitting at .500 in August, Las Vegas responded with a 16-game winning streak to close the regular season, finishing 30–14 and earning the No. 2 playoff seed.

Young reflected on the season’s early struggles and the turning point that brought the team back together.

“The season started out pretty rough,” Young said. “Being .500 and then getting beat by 53 points, to then being able to string together 17 wins in a row in order to get a good spot for the playoffs. The past two championships, we were kind of on top the whole year. This time, we had to claw our way back into it.”

Head coach Becky Hammon kept the group focused despite injuries to key players. The Aces’ core — A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, and Young — carried them through.

“Trusting the process and being all in,” Young said when asked what lesson the team learned. “It was a rocky start, but we just came in every day, practiced hard, and knew the results would pay off.”

Playoff Brilliance and Record Moments

Once the postseason arrived, Young elevated her game to another level.

She averaged 20.4 points, 5.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds across 12 playoff games, including several clutch performances that solidified her reputation as one of the WNBA’s most consistent big-game players.

See you tomorrow, Vegas! @JackieYoung3 pic.twitter.com/TKIpHnpBQk

— Raising Cane’s (@raisingcanes) October 13, 2025

Her defining moment came in the semifinals against the Indiana Fever, where she poured in 32 points to help clinch the series in overtime alongside Wilson’s 35-point, 12-rebound performance.

In the Finals, she took another step forward.

Young averaged over 20 points per game against the Phoenix Mercury and capped the series with a 32-point, eight-rebound outing, setting a WNBA Finals record with 21 points in a single quarter.

“Yeah, I think so,” Young said when asked whether she thrives in high-pressure moments. “I’ve put in a lot of work to be ready for those moments, and my teammates and coaches give me a lot of confidence. It’s special when Coach draws up a play at the end and wants to go to me.”

Her efficient shooting — 60% from the field and 9-of-15 outside the restricted area in her record game — underscored how far her offensive game has evolved since her early years in the league.

“You think about just getting one [championship], and sometimes it takes your whole career,” Young said. “Now, Aces basketball is the standard. Every time we come into training camp, we know that we’re prepping to win a championship.”

From Perth to Stardom

Young’s transformation didn’t happen overnight.

She points to her 2021 offseason in Australia, where she joined the Perth Lynx, as a defining chapter in her development — one that refined her shooting, confidence, and work habits.

“Playing in Australia was probably a turning point in my career,” Young said. “We would wake up really early, go box, then lift, and then have practice. Being overseas, I didn’t talk to my family as much, so I had a lot of time to just work on myself.”

That period also coincided with Becky Hammon’s arrival as Aces head coach, marking a major shift in how Young approached her offensive role.

“That was when Beck had just gotten the job, and she told me she needed me to shoot threes,” Young said. “Maybe make one a game, but if you don’t attempt them, we’ll never know. When I got back, I worked with Ty, and we made a few tweaks to my shot. We didn’t change a lot, but we got a lot of reps in, and that made the biggest difference.”

Since then, Young has become one of the WNBA’s most efficient and versatile scorers, earning four All-Star selections and the 2022 Most Improved Player award.

“Just wanting to be great, honestly,” she said when asked about her mindset. “I’ve put a lot of time in the gym and worked on my body, my confidence, and my mind. There’s a lot of preparation behind it, but it starts with wanting to achieve greatness.”

Leadership, Pressure, and Legacy

For all her production, Young’s influence extends beyond the box score. She has become one of the league’s most respected leaders — a player who leads by example rather than volume.

Asked how it feels to be a role model for young fans, Young leaned into her guiding principle.

“Pressure is a privilege,” she said. “It’s a good thing — it means things matter. I just try to set a good example and be the standard. When I was little, I looked up to Candace Parker. If I can be that person for others, it means we’re doing something right.”

Now entering her prime, Young says she never imagined this level of success when she entered the league as the No. 1 pick in 2019.

“Honestly, no,” she said. “You dream of getting one, and sometimes it takes your whole career. Now, Aces basketball is a standard. Every year we come into training camp knowing we’re preparing to win a championship.”

She smiled when asked about her legacy and what it means to represent the next generation.

“It means a lot — but it makes me feel a little old!” she said, laughing. “Just being able to set the standard and be the standard for younger generations is special. If you can see her, you can be her.”

Support and Investment Fueling the Dynasty

Young credits the Aces’ ownership and facilities for helping sustain their dominance.

She praised Mark Davis for his visible commitment to the team since purchasing the franchise in 2021.

“Mark [Davis] is great — he’s the best owner in the league,” Young said. “He really shows that with how he shows up for us and how invested he is in our team.”

She also highlighted the team’s world-class training and recovery facilities as a major advantage.

“Being able to have access to the practice facility at all times is definitely helpful,” she said. “We have the best of the best — from training equipment to treatment to courts. Being able to come in whenever we want is a blessing, honestly.”

Celebrating Vegas-Style at Raising Cane’s

After the Aces’ title parade week began, Young chose to celebrate not just with her teammates but with the fans who supported their run.

At Raising Cane’s on the Las Vegas Strip, she donned the headset and apron, serving chicken fingers and drinks while cheering alongside supporters.

“It’s fun to interact with the fans who’ve supported us all season,” Young said. “I’m super excited to work a shift here.”

She emphasized how meaningful it was to see major brands continuing to invest in women’s sports.

“Cane’s is nationwide, and to have them supporting the W and the growth of the game means a lot,” Young said. “It’s great to have such a big supporter helping us and women’s basketball grow.”

Raising Cane’s founder, Todd Graves, joined via FaceTime to congratulate her on another championship.

“It was great having Jackie out to our Las Vegas Flagship today to celebrate the Aces’ third WNBA Championship title,” Graves said. “They had a challenging season but persevered and remained focused on the endgame. Jackie and her teammates are incredibly talented athletes, and I’m looking forward to Vegas coming together to celebrate them.”

And when the work shift turned into lunch, Young’s order was no surprise.

“Usually a Box Combo,” she said. “Sometimes a Caniac if I’m really hungry. Always extra Cane’s sauce — I’m a big dipper, so I need like three sauces. And I finish it with a sweet tea. I eat Cane’s a lot after games. They stay open late, so it’s my go-to.”

From her humble beginnings in Indiana to her overseas grind in Perth and now the championship standard she’s helped define in Las Vegas, Jackie Young continues to embody quiet excellence.

Whether pouring in 30 points in the Finals or serving fans at the counter, she does it the same way — with focus, humility, and an unwavering commitment to greatness.