Marina Mabrey has become a household name in women’s basketball, captivating fans with her sharpshooting skills and fierce determination on the court. As of March 21, 2025, she continues to shine as a key player for the Connecticut Sun in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). With a career that spans multiple teams, international leagues, and a college legacy at Notre Dame, Mabrey’s journey offers an inspiring tale of talent, grit, and growth. This article dives deep into her life, achievements, and what makes her a standout figure in the sport today.
Early Life: A Basketball Family Fuels Her Passion
Marina Mabrey entered the world on September 14, 1996, in Belmar, New Jersey, a small coastal town that shaped her early years. She grew up in a family obsessed with basketball, which planted the seeds for her future success. Her parents, Patti and Roy Mabrey, both had deep ties to the game—Patti coached youth basketball for two decades, while Roy played Division II ball at St. Anselm College. Naturally, their love for the sport rubbed off on Marina and her four siblings: brothers Ryan and Roy, and sisters Michaela and Dara.
The Mabrey household buzzed with competitive energy, as the siblings often battled it out on the driveway or at local parks. Marina, the middle child, learned to hold her own against her older siblings, Michaela and Roy, who also pursued basketball at high levels. Michaela later starred at Notre Dame, while Dara followed in her footsteps, eventually transferring there from Virginia Tech. This family dynamic forged Marina’s fearless attitude and relentless work ethic, traits that define her game today.
High School Glory: Shining Bright at Manasquan
Marina’s talent blossomed at Manasquan High School, where she quickly established herself as a force on the court. She led her team to two state Tournament of Champions titles, showcasing her scoring ability and leadership. During her senior year in 2015, she earned co-MVP honors at the prestigious McDonald’s All-American Game, a testament to her skill among the nation’s top prospects. Her high school career set the stage for bigger things, drawing attention from college recruiters across the country.
Despite numerous offers, Marina faced a tough choice about her next step. Her sister Michaela already thrived at Notre Dame, which made Marina hesitate—would she simply follow in her footsteps or carve her own path? Ultimately, she chose Notre Dame, drawn by its winning tradition and coach Muffet McGraw’s reputation for developing guards. That decision kicked off a remarkable chapter in her basketball journey.
College Days: A Notre Dame Legend Emerges
Marina arrived at Notre Dame in 2015, joining the Fighting Irish women’s basketball team at a pivotal time. The program had just reached the national championship game but lost key players, leaving room for freshmen like Marina to step up. She wasted no time making an impact, earning ACC Rookie of the Week honors in November 2015. Over her four years, she appeared in 144 games, racking up 1,896 points and a school-record 274 three-pointers.
Her junior year in 2017-18 marked a turning point. Marina started all 38 games, averaging 14.4 points per game and draining 85 threes, the second-most in a single season at Notre Dame. That year, the Irish won the NCAA Championship, overcoming injuries to key players with a gritty, never-say-die attitude. Marina’s clutch shooting, including a critical three-pointer in the title game against Mississippi State, helped seal the victory. By the time she graduated in 2019, she ranked sixth on Notre Dame’s all-time scoring list, leaving a legacy as one of its greatest shooters.
WNBA Beginnings: From Sparks to Wings
The Los Angeles Sparks selected Marina 19th overall in the second round of the 2019 WNBA Draft, launching her professional career. As a rookie, she played in 31 games, averaging 4.0 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.0 assists off the bench. While her numbers stayed modest, she gained valuable experience under coach Derek Fisher, whose team reached the playoff semifinals. However, before the 2020 season, the Sparks traded her to the Dallas Wings for a 2021 second-round pick, giving her a fresh start.
The 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic and held in a bubble at IMG Academy, saw Marina’s role grow. She appeared in 19 of 22 games for the Wings, boosting her averages to 10.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. Her three-point shooting began to shine, hinting at the offensive weapon she’d become. In 2021, she continued with Dallas, refining her skills alongside star guard Arike Ogunbowale. Yet, Marina craved a bigger role, setting the stage for her next move.
Chicago Sky: A Breakout Star Takes Flight
In February 2023, a four-team trade sent Marina to the Chicago Sky, where she finally stepped into the spotlight. Paired with guard Courtney Williams, she started all but one game, averaging a career-high 15.0 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 30 minutes per game. Her sharpshooting and playmaking elevated the Sky’s backcourt, earning her recognition as a rising star. Fans and analysts marveled at her ability to stretch defenses with her long-range shooting, a skill honed since her Notre Dame days.
However, by mid-2024, Marina grew restless. The Sky’s roster faced uncertainty, and she yearned for a team with a clearer shot at a championship. She requested a trade, and on July 17, 2024, Chicago sent her to the Connecticut Sun, along with a 2025 second-round pick, in exchange for guards Rachel Banham and Moriah Jefferson, a 2025 first-round pick, and swap rights for 2026 first-rounders. The move proved pivotal, thrusting her into a contender’s lineup.
Connecticut Sun: A Playoff Hero in 2024
Marina joined the Sun midseason, instantly boosting their offense with her scoring prowess. In her 16 regular-season games with Connecticut, she averaged 14.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, mostly coming off the bench. Her six three-pointers per game gave the Sun a much-needed outside threat, complementing stars like Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner. As the playoffs approached, Marina’s impact only grew.
In the 2024 postseason, she emerged as a clutch performer. Against the Indiana Fever in the first round, she dropped 27 points in Game 1, including five threes, and followed with clutch shots in Game 2 to eliminate rookie sensation Caitlin Clark’s team. In the semifinals against the Minnesota Lynx, Marina’s 20-point, six-three-pointer outburst in Game 1 helped the Sun steal a road win. Though Minnesota fought back to win the series, her playoff heroics solidified her reputation as a big-game player.
Offseason Drama: A Trade Request Denied
After the 2024 season, the Sun underwent significant roster changes, losing key players and signaling a potential rebuild. Marina, now 28 and in her prime, requested a trade in February 2025, hoping to join a title contender. However, Sun president Jennifer Rizzotti denied the request, stating, “We felt she was worth the risk when we traded for her.” Despite the tension, Marina remains with Connecticut as of March 21, 2025, rehabbing a calf injury but expected to return for the season opener in May.
The situation leaves her future uncertain. Will she embrace a larger role with the Sun, possibly starting alongside Natasha Cloud? Or will off-court frustrations linger? For now, Marina focuses on recovery, determined to prove her worth regardless of where she plays.
International Adventures: A Global Talent
Beyond the WNBA, Marina has showcased her skills worldwide. In 2019-20, she played for TTT Riga in Latvia, averaging 15.8 points per game before the season halted due to COVID-19. The next year, she joined Not Herzliya in Israel, further sharpening her game. She later suited up for teams in Australia (Perth Lynx), Italy (PF Schio), and Turkey (Çukurova Basketbol), gaining experience against diverse competition. These stents highlight her adaptability and hunger to grow as a player.
Her international success mirrors her WNBA ascent. Each stop abroad refined her skills, from ball-handling to decision-making, making her a more complete guard. Fans eagerly await her return to overseas play, though her WNBA commitments remain her priority for now.
Playing Style: The Sharpshooter with Swagger
Marina’s game electrifies fans with its blend of precision and flair. Standing at 5-foot-11, she excels as a shooting guard, known for her deadly three-point range. Her quick release and ability to shoot off the dribble make her a nightmare for defenders. Beyond scoring, she contributes with smart passes and tenacious defense, embodying her “don’t get punked” philosophy, as she told ESPN in 2024.
Coaches praise her versatility—she can start or spark the bench, adjusting to any role. Her playoff performances underscore her knack for rising to the occasion, a trait rooted in her competitive upbringing. Whether draining a game-winner or locking down an opponent, Marina plays with an edge that sets her apart.
FAQs
What inspired Marina Mabrey to start playing basketball, and how did her family shape her career?
Marina’s love for basketball sparked in her childhood, growing up in a family where the sport reigned supreme. Her parents, Patti and Roy, both had basketball backgrounds, with Patti coaching youth teams and Roy playing college ball. Her siblings—Ryan, Roy, Michaela, and Dara—all played, too, turning their home into a constant competition zone. This environment fueled her passion and toughness, pushing her to excel from driveway games to the WNBA.
How did Marina Mabrey perform in the 2024 WNBA playoffs with the Connecticut Sun?
Marina dazzled in the 2024 playoffs, proving her clutch gene. She torched the Indiana Fever for 27 points in Game 1 of the first round, hitting five threes, and sealed their exit with key shots in Game 2. Against the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals, she dropped 20 points, including six three-pointers, in a Game 1 road win. Though the Sun fell short, her postseason brilliance highlighted her as a playoff standout.
Why did Marina Mabrey request a trade from the Connecticut Sun in 2025, and what happened next?
After the 2024 season, the Sun faced roster turnover, hinting at a rebuild that didn’t align with Marina’s championship goals at age 28. She requested a trade in February 2025, seeking a contender, but the Sun’s front office, led by Jennifer Rizzotti, rejected it, valuing her impact from the 2024 trade. She stays with Connecticut for now, focusing on rehabbing her calf injury for the upcoming season.
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