Emily Engstler

Emily Engstler
Engstler with the Minnesota Lynx in 2023
No. 21 – Hapoel Lev Jerusalem
PositionSmall forward / Power forward
LeagueWNBA
Personal information
Born (2000-05-01) May 1, 2000 (age 24)
Queens, New York, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Listed weight180 lb (82 kg)
Career information
High school
College
WNBA draft2022: 1st round, 4th overall pick
Selected by the Indiana Fever
Playing career2022–present
Career history
2022Indiana Fever
2022Flammes Carolo Basket
2023Minnesota Lynx
2024Washington Mystics
2024Hapoel Lev Jerusalem
Career highlights and awards
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Women's 3x3 basketball
Representing the  United States
FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup
Silver medal – second place 2022 Romania Team

Emily Ann Engstler[1] (born May 1, 2000) is an American professional basketball player for the Washington Mystics of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), currently playing for Hapoel Lev Jerusalem of the Israeli Female Basketball Premier League. She formerly played for the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. She played college basketball for Syracuse during her first three years at the college level, then for Louisville, earning first-team All-ACC honors in her only season with the team. Engstler graduated from St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, New York, where she was rated a five-star recruit by ESPN and named a McDonald's All-American.

Early life

Engstler was born on May 1, 2000, in Queens, New York, to Marilyn and William Engstler, and moved to Roosevelt Island by the age of eight.[2][3][4] She first picked up a basketball as a three-year-old and grew up playing for boys' Catholic Youth Organization teams at Resurrection Ascension Catholic Academy.[5] Engstler also played pick-up games on outdoor courts across the street from her home. She modeled her game after Elena Delle Donne and Kevin Durant. In her freshman season, Engstler played for Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, where her mother had played basketball. After one year, she transferred to St. Francis Preparatory School in Queens, seeking a better academic fit,[6] and sat out for her sophomore year due to Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA) transfer rules.[7]

As a junior, Engstler averaged 19 points, 15.7 rebounds, 5.9 blocks and 3.4 steals per game. She recorded the first quadruple-double in school history, with 27 points, 29 rebounds, 11 assists and 10 blocks, against Nazareth Regional High School.[8] Engstler was named to the New York State Sportswriters Association (NYSSWA) Class AA all-state sixth team.[9] In her senior season, she averaged 18.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.3 steals and 2.1 blocks per game, receiving New York Gatorade Player of the Year and NYSSWA Class AA all-state first team accolades.[10][11] She helped her team achieve a 19–9 record and reach the Brooklyn/Queens CHSAA title game.[10] Engstler was selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic.[7]

Engstler was considered a five-star recruit and the ninth-best player in the 2018 class by ESPN.[12] On October 19, 2017, she committed to play college basketball for Syracuse over offers from Ohio State and Miami (Florida). Engstler was drawn to the school because of its proximity to her home and its reputed program in broadcast journalism,[13] her intended major.[8]

College career

Engstler with Louisville in 2022

Engstler came off the bench during her freshman season at Syracuse.[14] On February 21, 2019, she recorded a season-high 17 points, six rebounds, three assists and three blocks in a 90–63 win over Pittsburgh.[15] As a freshman, Engstler averaged 4.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game.[16] With the departure of small forward Miranda Drummond, she entered the starting lineup in her sophomore season.[17] On December 20, 2019, Engstler posted 13 points, a season-high 17 rebounds and five assists in a 77–63 victory over Michigan State.[18] On January 5, 2020, she recorded a season-high 22 points and 15 rebounds in a 74–63 victory against Notre Dame.[19] As a sophomore, Engstler averaged nine points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game, leading her team in rebounds and blocks.[20] She suffered from depression during the season. Engstler improved her endurance and mental health by exercising routinely during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown under the guidance of her older sister, Danielle. She lost about 40 lbs (18 kg) in the offseason through exercise and dieting.[21][22]

Engstler returned to a reserve role in her junior season, but remained one of Syracuse's most productive players.[22] In the quarterfinals of the 2021 ACC tournament, she made a game-winning, buzzer beating layup in a 90–89 win over Florida State.[23] Engstler registered a career-high 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 72–59 loss to Louisville at the semifinals.[24] She was selected to the all-tournament second team.[25] As a junior, Engstler averaged 10.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game, earning ACC Co-Sixth Player of the Year honors.[26] She led Syracuse in rebounds, steals and three-point field goal percentage.[27]

For her senior season, Engstler transferred to Louisville, being drawn to the program by head coach Jeff Walz.[28] On January 2, 2022, she made a game-winning layup with three seconds left in a 50–48 victory over Georgia Tech.[29] On March 26, Engstler matched her season-high of 20 points while grabbing 10 rebounds in a 76–64 win against Tennessee at the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament.[30] She helped Louisville reach the Final Four of the tournament.[31] As a senior, Engstler averaged 11.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.8 blocks per game, and was named to the first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and All-Defensive Team.[32] On March 29, she declared for the 2022 WNBA draft, forgoing her additional year of college eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[33]

Professional career

WNBA

Engstler was selected by the Indiana Fever with the fourth overall pick in the 2022 WNBA draft.[32] On August 12, 2022, she scored a season-high 18 points, five rebounds and three blocks in an 82–70 loss to the Washington Mystics.[34] In her rookie season, Engstler averaged 5.2 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, making six starts in 35 games.[35]

Prior to the start of the 2023 WNBA Training Camp, the Fever waived Engstler.[36] After being waived by the Fever, Engstler signed a training camp contract with the Washington Mystics.[37] Engstler did not make the final roster for the Mystics after appearing in the preseason.[38] On June 14, 2023, Engstler signed a Hardship Contract with the Minnesota Lynx.[39] Engstler spent just over a month with the Lynx before Jessica Shepard returned from her illness and Engstler was released from her hardship contract.[40]

Overseas

After the 2022 WNBA season, she played for Flammes Carolo Basket of the Ligue Féminine de Basketball in France.[41]

In June 2024, she signed with Hapoel Lev Jerusalem for the 2024–25 season of the Israeli Female Basketball Premier League.[42]

National team career

In August 2021, Engstler played for the United States national 3x3 team at the FIBA 3x3 Under-23 Nations League in France. She helped the team finish with a 5–3 record.[43] Engstler won a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 U23 World Cup in Romania.[44]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game  RPG  Rebounds per game
 APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game  BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game
 TO  Turnovers per game  FG%  Field-goal percentage  3P%  3-point field-goal percentage  FT%  Free-throw percentage
 Bold  Career best ° League leader

WNBA

Regular season

Stats current through end of 2024 season

WNBA regular season statistics[45]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2022 Indiana 35 6 18.2 .396 .356 .553 5.2 1.5 0.7 1.1 1.4 5.2
2023 Minnesota 12 0 7.8 .381 .286 .375 2.4 0.6 0.4 0.1 0.8 1.8
2024 Washington 32 3 14.5 .490 .474° .818 4.0 1.5 0.6 0.8 0.7 6.2
Career 3 years, 3 teams 79 9 15.1 .436 .413 .618 4.3 1.3 0.6 0.8 1.0 5.1

College

NCAA statistics[46]
Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG TO PPG
2018–19 Syracuse 29 0 14.3 41.3 25.4 62.5 4.5 1.4 0.9 1.2 2.1 4.9
2019–20 Syracuse 31 31 29.3 37.3 33.3 69.2 9.2 2.8 1.1 1.6 2.9 9.0
2020–21 Syracuse 22 5 29.9 41.7 37.1 53.1 9.1 1.9 1.8 1.6 2.0 10.5
2021–22 Louisville 34 34 26.3 46.1 37.2 62.9 9.4 2.3 2.7 1.8 2.6 11.9
Career 116 70 24.8 41.9 33.7 61.7 8.1 2.1 1.7 1.6 2.5 9.1

References

  1. ^ "Emily Ann Engstler". FIBA. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  2. ^ Jeff Walz [@CoachJeffWalz] (May 1, 2021). "#CardNation please help wish our newest @UofLWBB teammate a very Happy Birthday! Have a great day @em__baller !! #TwentyOne" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (July 25, 2018). "Meet 'LeBronna James': Emily Engstler is jewel recruit for Syracuse women's basketball". The Post-Standard. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  4. ^ "Emily Engstler – Women's Basketball". University of Louisville Athletics. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  5. ^ McCleary, Michael (November 2, 2018). "No doubt: Emily Engstler's battle's with uncertainty has elevated her to one of the best recruits in Syracuse basketball history". The Daily Orange. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  6. ^ Fader, Mirin (September 21, 2017). "Morning or night, New York's top basketball prospect is up for a challenge". ESPN. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  7. ^ a b Fonseca, Bryan (April 11, 2018). "Engstler aims to push women in sports to the forefront". Forest Hills Times. Archived from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  8. ^ a b Barca, Christopher (February 1, 2018). "Emily Engstler cements her status as SFP icon". Queens Chronicle. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  9. ^ "NYSSWA all-state team, 2017 (large schools)". New York State Sportswriters Association. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  10. ^ a b Kramer, Lindsay (March 19, 2018). "Syracuse women's basketball recruit is New York state Gatorade player of the year". The Post-Standard. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  11. ^ Stevens, Kevin (May 31, 2018). "All-State Basketball: Four first-teamers for Section 4". Press & Sun-Bulletin. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  12. ^ "Emily Engstler 2018 High School Girls' Basketball Profile". ESPN. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  13. ^ Olson, Dan (October 19, 2017). "Top New York prospect Emily Engstler commits to Syracuse". ESPN. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  14. ^ Emerman, Danny (February 12, 2020). "Emily Engstler has grown into a star for SU after turbulent freshman year". The Daily Orange. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  15. ^ Heyen, Billy (February 21, 2019). "Emily Engstler scores career-high 17 points in Syracuse's blowout of Pittsburgh". The Daily Orange. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  16. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (October 17, 2019). "Emily Engstler prepped to earn bigger role for Syracuse women's basketball". The Post-Standard. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  17. ^ Kramer, Lindsay (November 21, 2019). "Emily Engstler jumps in as starter for Syracuse women's basketball: 'I've been waiting on this moment'". The Post-Standard. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  18. ^ "Syracuse women take down No. 19 Michigan State 77-63". ESPN. Associated Press. December 20, 2019. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  19. ^ "Orange Come Back, Top Irish in OT". Syracuse University Athletics. January 5, 2020. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  20. ^ Stanley, Sara (September 9, 2020). "Why 2020-21 will be Emily Engstler's breakout season for Syracuse women's basketball". Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician. SB Nation. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  21. ^ "SU women's basketball player on her battle with depression last season". WSYR-TV. March 19, 2021. Retrieved January 15, 2022.
  22. ^ a b Fernandez, Roshan (March 17, 2021). "Emily Engstler's offseason transformation ignites her best year to date". The Daily Orange. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  23. ^ "Emily Engstler's overtime buzzer-beater knocks off #8 Florida State". WSYR-TV. January 2, 2020. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  24. ^ Shults, Thomas (March 6, 2021). "Despite Emily Engstler season-high 21 points, Syracuse loses to Louisville 72-59". The Daily Orange. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  25. ^ "Engstler Named ACC All-Tournament Second Team". Syracuse University Athletics. March 7, 2021. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  26. ^ Robinson, Cameron Teague (October 26, 2021). "A perfect match: Transfer Emily Engstler found a new home, the Cards found another X-factor". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  27. ^ Bailey, Stephen (April 1, 2021). "Syracuse's Emily Engstler will transfer to Louisville: 'I hope for a new beginning'". CuseNation. 247Sports. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  28. ^ Demling, Jody (April 6, 2021). "Q&A: Louisville women's basketball transfer Emily Engstler". Cardinal Authority. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  29. ^ "Engstler's Layup Completes Louisville Rally at Georgia Tech". Louisville Report. Associated Press. January 2, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  30. ^ Crawford, Eric (March 26, 2022). "Elite Again! Van Lith, Engstler, propel Louisville past Tennessee". WDRB. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  31. ^ Voepel, Mechelle (March 31, 2022). "Women's Final Four 2022: Emily Engstler finds winning fit with Louisville Cardinals". ESPN. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  32. ^ a b McGavic, Matthew (April 11, 2022). "Indiana Fever Select Emily Engstler with No. 4 Overall Pick of 2022 WNBA Draft". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  33. ^ Curtis, Mike (March 29, 2022). "Former Syracuse women's forward Emily Engstler declares for 2022 WNBA draft". The Post-Standard. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  34. ^ "Game Recap: Emily Engstler Posts Career-High 18 Points in Final Home Game of Season". Indiana Fever. August 12, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  35. ^ "2022 Player Review: Emily Engstler". Indiana Fever. August 29, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  36. ^ "Fever Waive Emily Engstler". fever.wnba.com. WNBA. Retrieved 26 April 2023.
  37. ^ Sabri, Alex. "Mystics sign former top-5 pick to training camp contract". clutchpoints.com. Clutch Points. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  38. ^ Copeland, Kareem. "Mystics finalize roster and shift to prep for season opener vs. Liberty". washingtonpost.com. Washington Post. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  39. ^ "Lynx Sign Emily Engstler". lynx.wnba.com. WNBA. Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  40. ^ "Lynx Forward Jessica Shepard Cleared to Return". lynx.wnba.com. WNBA. Retrieved 27 July 2023.
  41. ^ "Emily Engstler joins Flammes". Eurobasket.com. June 9, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  42. ^ אמילי אנגסטלר חתמה בהפועל לב ירושלים, Israeli Woman's Basketball League official announcement
  43. ^ Evans, Nick (August 2, 2021). "Engstler, Van Lith Compete for USA at FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League". University of Louisville Athletics. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  44. ^ "Engstler, Hull Named to Roster for 2022 FIBA Women's 3×3 U23 World Cup". Indiana Fever. October 3, 2022. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
  45. ^ "Emily Engstler WNBA Stats". Basketball Reference.
  46. ^ "Emily Engstler College Stats". Sports-Reference. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
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