Cotie McMahon is settling in as a pro, and her teammates are feeding off her
WASHINGTON — Cotie McMahon is a force to be reckoned with on the court, and her impact extends far beyond the stats sheet. As a rookie with the Washington Mystics, she's not only averaging impressive numbers but also bringing a unique tenacity and energy that's rubbing off on her teammates. With her strong, physical playing style, McMahon is a perfect fit for the WNBA, and her journey to the league has been one of hard work and dedication.
One of the keys to McMahon's success is her film study routine. Since her days at Ohio State, she's made it a habit to watch game film every night, no matter how late the team gets home. This dedication to self-improvement has helped her learn from her mistakes and adapt to new roles and systems. As a result, she's become a four-time all-conference player at Ohio State and Mississippi, an honorable mention AP All-American as a senior, and the No. 11 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Now, as a rookie with the Washington Mystics, McMahon has kept up her film routine, and it's paying off. She's averaging 6.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 20.6 minutes per game, and her toughness and relentlessness are rubbing off on her teammates. Head coach Sydney Johnson has praised her for her humility and learning curve, and her ability to adapt to the pro level is impressive.
McMahon's development as a perimeter player has been a key part of her success. At Ohio State and Mississippi, she was listed as a forward, but she began to add perimeter skills to complement her ability to get to the rim and score. As a junior, her 3-point percentage and volume both jumped, and she also improved her midrange game. After transferring to Mississippi for her senior season, her assist rate doubled, as head coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin had her play point guard at times.
The Mystics see McMahon as a perimeter player and list her exclusively as a guard. However, the team's offensive philosophy discourages most midrange shots, so she's had to adjust her game. She's focusing on her 3-point and inside game, and her ability to attack the basket in transition is a key part of her game.
McMahon's best game of the season came in the win over the Minnesota Lynx, when she scored a career-high 15 points on 4-for-4 3-point shooting and added five assists. Her ability to step up in clutch moments is a testament to her tenacious mindset and self-belief.
Despite the strides McMahon has made in recent weeks, she remains grounded and focused on the team's success. She's noticed how connected her team is and seen that translate on the court in tough situations. Head coach Sydney Johnson has praised her for her energy and toughness, and her ability to elevate her teammates is invaluable for a young team still figuring out the pro game.
In the end, Cotie McMahon is not just a talented player but also a leader on and off the court. Her film study routine, development as a perimeter player, and ability to adapt to new roles have all contributed to her success. As she continues to grow and develop, there's no doubt that she'll continue to make an impact on the Washington Mystics and the WNBA as a whole.
