The Washington Mystics may have just let the biggest opportunity in their franchise history slip through their fingers, and it all comes down to one overlooked rookie: Lucy Olsen. After the Mystics drafted Olsen 23rd overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the stage was set for a potential superstar to join the team. With her outstanding college performance at Iowa and Villanova, Olsen not only boasts impressive stats—17.9 points per game at Iowa and over 23 points per game at Villanova—but also a fiercely loyal fan base that could help transform the Mystics’ fortunes.

However, despite the hype surrounding her, the Mystics appear to be fumbling the chance to capitalize on Olsen’s potential. The first major blunder occurred when the team posted about their rookie class, featuring jerseys for the other players but conspicuously leaving Olsen out. No mention, no jersey, and no recognition of a player who could potentially be the most marketable face of their team. Fans took notice—and they were not pleased. The post quickly gained over 637,000 views, and the backlash was swift and intense. Fans dragged the Mystics for their oversight, with many pointing out that they had just alienated one of the most passionate fan bases in women’s sports: Iowa fans.

This moment was more than just a simple mistake. It was a glaring failure to recognize the unique value that Lucy Olsen brings—not just as a player, but as a brand. The social media response was fierce, with fans calling out the Mystics for not seizing the opportunity to build their team around someone who already had a built-in fan base eager to see her succeed. By leaving her out of the post, the Mystics essentially ignited a firestorm. What could have been a smooth marketing opportunity turned into a public relations disaster.

But it wasn’t all bad for Olsen. The day after the controversy, the Mystics quickly rectified their mistake by posting about her, and this time, the response was nothing short of enthusiastic. The new post racked up over 438,000 views, with fans clamoring for her jersey and already dreaming of her making the All-Star team. Given her stellar college career, it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility. If Olsen performs at the WNBA level the way she did in college, the fan vote for the All-Star game could very well turn into a Lucy Olsen victory—just like Caitlin Clark and Kate Martin before her, whose Iowa ties turned them into fan favorites almost overnight.

The Mystics’ failure to properly market Olsen is particularly troubling considering their dire need for a brand revamp. Despite playing in Washington, D.C., a major market, the team has struggled with low social media engagement. In 2024, they ranked near the bottom in Instagram followers, which is a clear indication that the team’s marketing efforts are falling short. Olsen, however, represents a golden opportunity for the Mystics to turn things around. Her presence could inject the team with the kind of hype and fan excitement that they haven’t seen in years.

It’s not just about basketball, either. Olsen’s draft announcement post on social media amassed more likes than the three other Mystics’ first-round picks combined—an undeniable sign that fans are already invested in her. She’s not just a player; she’s a phenomenon waiting to happen. And if the Mystics play their cards right, she could become the centerpiece of their team, much like Caitlin Clark did for the WNBA last year.

This isn’t new territory for Iowa fans. Caitlin Clark made waves across the league, and Kate Martin’s surprise pick by the Aces led to impressive jersey sales. Iowa fans are loyal and passionate, and they’ve proven that they’ll support their stars, regardless of which team they’re on. Lucy Olsen has the same potential to draw in casual fans and create a buzz for the Mystics that could transform the team’s fortunes, both on and off the court.

The Washington Mystics are a franchise in need of a spark, and Lucy Olsen could be the match that lights the fire. But they need to recognize her star potential and treat her accordingly. If they don’t, they risk losing out on a chance to build a new era of success for their team. It’s time for the Mystics to stop making mistakes and start embracing the hype surrounding their new rookie—before it’s too late.