In the world of college basketball, few names resonate as powerfully as that of Desi-Rae Young. A key player for the UNLV Lady Rebels, Young’s contributions to the team and women’s basketball at UNLV have been nothing short of remarkable. Her journey from a promising freshman to a leading senior has been marked by dedication, skill, and leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

Young’s significance to the Lady Rebels extends beyond her impressive statistics. Her impact on the team dynamics, her leadership on and off the court, and her unwavering commitment to the sport have been instrumental in shaping the team’s trajectory. As she prepares to graduate, the team faces inevitable changes. Yet, the legacy of this season’s achievements and the groundwork laid by Young promises a bright future for the Lady Rebels.

Early Life and High School Career

Desi-Rae Young was born in Inglewood, California, but moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, with her family at a young age. Her basketball journey began when she was just 12 years old, encouraged by her uncle who saw potential in her. This early introduction to the sport sparked a passion that would shape her future.

Young attended Desert Oasis High School in Las Vegas, where she began to make her mark in the world of basketball. Her high school career was marked by impressive performances that saw her leading the girls’ basketball team in points, rebounds, and other key statistics. She was a force to be reckoned with on the court, her talent undeniable and her potential clear.

During her time at Desert Oasis, Young received numerous accolades recognizing her talent and hard work. She was honored with honors from the Nevada All-State Team Honorable Mention, All-Southwest League Second Team, and Athlete of the Week.

Young’s high school career laid the foundation for her success in college basketball. The skills she developed and the experiences she gained during this time played a crucial role in shaping her as a player. As we delve deeper into her journey, we’ll see how her early life and high school career set the stage for her remarkable achievements at UNLV.

Journey to UNLV

Transitioning from high school to college basketball is a significant step for any athlete, and Desi-Rae Young was no exception. Young’s decision to join the UNLV Lady Rebels marked a turning point in her career. Her decision to commit to UNLV over Pepperdine during her junior year at Desert Oasis was a testament to her belief in the program and her desire to make a significant impact.

Accomplishments at UNLV

Freshman Year

Young’s freshman year at UNLV was nothing short of remarkable. She immediately asserted herself as one of the conference’s most dominant players, earning the Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year title. This initial success set the tone for her college career and established her as a key player for the Lady Rebels.

Sophomore Year

Young continued to progress in her sophomore year, leading the Lady Rebels in scoring with an average of 17.9 points per game. Her performance earned her the title of Mountain West Player of the Year for the first time, further solidifying her status as a standout player.

Junior Year

Young’s junior year saw her continued development and impact on the team. She was selected for the All-Mountain West Team for the third straight season, starting 32 of 33 games and averaging 15.2 points and a team-high 8.5 rebounds.

Senior Year

In her senior year, Young’s leadership and performance reached new heights. She became one of two Lady Rebels to surpass 2,000 career points, leading the team to their first-ever outright regular season Mountain West title and the first Mountain West Conference women’s basketball tournament championship in program history.

Awards and Recognition Throughout College

Throughout her tenure at UNLV, Young received numerous awards and honors recognizing her talent and contribution to the team. She was a three-time All-MW honoree, the 2021 MW Freshman of the Year, the 2022 MW Player of the Year, and the 2023 MW Championship MVP. These awards hold significant value in the context of UNLV’s history and women’s college basketball, highlighting Young’s exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. Her achievements have set a high standard for future players and left a lasting legacy at UNLV.

Desi-Rae Young’s Impactful Final Game Against Creighton

Desi-Rae Young, a senior center for the UNLV Lady Rebels, has left an indelible mark on the program. In a game against Creighton, she scored the opening basket of the second half, a putback layup that not only ended a scoring drought for the team but also etched her name deeper into the Lady Rebel record book. With that basket, Young became the second player in UNLV history to surpass 2,000 career points, finishing with a total of 2,017.

Despite the Lady Rebels’ loss to Creighton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Young’s 30-point effort was a testament to her skill and determination. Her impact on the program has been profound, helping lead the team to its most successful run since the 1990s. Under her leadership, UNLV won the last three Mountain West regular-season and tournament titles and appeared in the last three NCAA Tournaments.

Young’s journey from a freshman in Coach Lindy La Rocque’s first year to becoming a twice-awarded conference player of the year and a three-time All-Mountain West selection is a story of dedication and growth. Her legacy at UNLV is not just about the points she scored but also about the history she made and the future players she inspired. As she moves on from UNLV, her impact will continue to be felt, and her contributions will be celebrated.

Desi-Rae Young: A Legacy of Dedication, Skill, and Inspiration

Before her time at UNLV, Young left a significant mark at Desert Oasis High School. Her high school career laid the foundation for her success at UNLV. As she moves forward, the lasting impact of her career will undoubtedly inspire future Desert Oasis and UNLV athletes. Young’s story sets a high standard for commitment and excellence in the sport, serving as an inspiration for future Lady Rebels and young athletes everywhere.