Mwenentanda Joins Golden State Valkyries, Boosts WNBA Presence

Big news for Vanderbilt women’s basketball—graduate student Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda just signed a WNBA replacement contract with the Golden State Valkyries. She’s now the third Commodore alum to land a WNBA deal ahead of the 2026 season.

Her journey to the professional league? It’s all about grit, hustle, and a standout season with the Commodores. Let’s take a closer look at how she made it to the WNBA, her Vanderbilt highlights, and what this means for the university’s basketball program.

Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda’s Journey to the WNBA

Mwenentanda’s signing with the Golden State Valkyries is a huge step in her basketball career. The 6-2 guard came to Vanderbilt as a grad transfer after three years at Texas.

She started every single game—34 in total—during the 2025-26 season. Her play helped Vanderbilt reach the Sweet 16 for the first time in 17 years.

From Training Camp to Replacement Contract

Mwenentanda first joined the Valkyries on a training camp contract. She got waived on May 2, but the team brought her back as a replacement player after center Iliana Rupert went on the pregnancy/childbirth exception list.

This shot gives Mwenentanda a real chance to show what she can do on a pro stage. It’s another big moment in her basketball journey.

Performance Highlights at Vanderbilt

During the 2025-26 season, Mwenentanda really stepped up her game. She shot a career-best 47.2 percent from the floor and averaged 6.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game.

She also improved from behind the arc, making 20 three-pointers—way up from the seven she hit during her three years at Texas.

Impact on Vanderbilt’s Success

Mwenentanda played a key role in Vanderbilt’s Sweet 16 run. Her leadership and energy inspired her teammates and helped spark the program’s comeback.

Vanderbilt’s Presence in the WNBA

Mwenentanda’s signing is part of a growing trend—Vanderbilt alums making waves in the WNBA. Mariella Fasoula and Justine Pissott have also landed contracts, proving the program’s got real talent coming through.

Mariella Fasoula’s Journey

Mariella Fasoula, who played for Vanderbilt from 2017-2020, recently signed a development contract with the Toronto Tempo. Her steady improvement and hard work made her a good fit for the Tempo’s roster.

Justine Pissott’s Draft Selection

Justine Pissott, who starred from 2023-26, went No. 25 overall to the Indiana Fever in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She signed a development contract with the Fever on April 17.

Pissott’s draft spot highlights Vanderbilt’s knack for producing quality players.

The Future of Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball

With Mwenentanda, Fasoula, and Pissott all landing WNBA contracts, the future looks bright for Vanderbilt women’s basketball. Their stories show current and future players that making it to the pros really is possible.

Building on Recent Success

Vanderbilt’s recent run of sending players to the WNBA shows the program’s focus on excellence. The coaching staff works hard on player development, and the athletes bring a ton of determination.

This kind of environment keeps attracting top talent and should keep boosting the program’s reputation.

Engaging the Community

These players’ achievements mean a lot for the Vanderbilt community and its fans. Their professional success gets people excited and helps build a sense of pride around the university.

Staying connected through social media—like @VandyWBB on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter—keeps fans in the loop and invested in the team’s success.

Conclusion

Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda just signed with the Golden State Valkyries, and honestly, that’s a pretty big deal for her—and for the Vanderbilt women’s basketball program too. Her story, along with Mariella Fasoula’s and Justine Pissott’s, really shows off the kind of talent and grit Vanderbilt keeps producing.