Update: As of April 18, this article has been updated with statements from Mikayla Pivec. 

With the 25th pick of the 2020 WNBA draft, the Atlanta Dream have selected Oregon State senior guard Mikayla Pivec on April 17. 

Though Pivec wasn’t able to be with her parents in person, they were connected via Skype when the news of her selection was announced.

“To the left of me I had my mom on a computer, and our TV was on a little delay so I looked to my left and it looked like my mom was crying,” Pivec said. “Then I looked to the screen and I was the next pick in the draft… it was really cool to see that happen and see my parents’ reaction.” 

With Pivec now set to head across the country, she said she’s excited even though she has never been to the city.

“I’ve gone through the airport if you can count that but haven’t actually been to the town, but I’m excited to start this new chapter and see what Atlanta has to offer,” Pivec said. “I’ve heard really good things about it.” 

The native of Lynnwood, Wash., finished her four-year collegiate career with averages of 12.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists while shooting 48.2% from the field and 34.9% from three.

What she remembers most about Corvallis, however, is how she was embraced by the community.

“What I remember is how the community embraced me and how supportive they were throughout my four years. Definitely on the court and in Gill Coliseum, but mostly in the community….” Pivec said. “I’m forever grateful for beaver nation and will always remember that as a place I can call home.”

This year’s WNBA draft was held virtually, with picks being announced by commissioner Cathy Engelbert announcing picks from her home in New Jersey.

Oregon had three players selected within the first eight picks of the draft, as Sabrina Ionescu was selected first by the New York Liberty, Satou Sabally going at pick number two to the Dallas Wings, and Ruthy Hebard being selected eighth overall by the Chicago Sky. This brings the total to four Women’s Basketball athletes drafted from the state of Oregon in the 2020 draft.