TORONTO (July 10, 2026) — Marina Mabrey cried. Eight years into her WNBA career, the Toronto Tempo guard was named an All-Star for the first time. The announcement, made July 9, 2026, marks a rare late-career breakthrough in a league where early stardom is the norm. Jackie Young, by contrast, was named to her fifth All-Star team this week, a Yahoo Sports report confirmed. Mabrey’s path is different. It is longer. It is a story of pure, grinding perseverance.
The 28-year-old entered the league in 2019 as a second-round pick out of Notre Dame. Her college resume was strong: two Final Four appearances, a reputation for clutch shooting. But in the WNBA, she was a role player. Minutes were scarce. She bounced between the Dallas Wings, Chicago Sky, and Connecticut Sun. For years, her averages hovered around 8 points, 3 assists. She was a reliable bench piece, not a star.
“I just kept working,” Mabrey told CP24 after the All-Star selection. “I knew I had more to give.”
The turning point came in 2026. The Toronto Tempo, an expansion franchise, signed Mabrey as a veteran leader. The move paid off immediately.
Her statistical leap is undeniable. In 25 games this season, Mabrey is averaging 18.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Her shooting efficiency has climbed to 47% from the field and 42% from three-point range. She is the Tempo’s leading scorer and primary playmaker.
A single image from Medicine Hat News captures the shift: Mabrey, jersey drenched, celebrating a win against the Los Angeles Sparks on June 25, 2026. The Canadian Press photo shows her arms raised, a rare moment of unguarded joy from a player who spent years on the margins.
Mabrey’s impact extends beyond the box score. She is a vocal leader for a young Tempo roster. Her mentorship of rookie guards has been noted by coaches. Her clutch shooting—multiple game-winning baskets this season—has defined the expansion team’s identity.
The contrast with Jackie Young is instructive. Young, at 28, is already a five-time All-Star, a Finals MVP, a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces. Mabrey is a first-timer. But that gap does not diminish her achievement. It underscores a different truth: success in the WNBA is not always linear. Some players bloom late.
“It’s a testament to her character,” Tempo head coach James Wade said. “She never quit. She just kept getting better.”
Mabrey’s All-Star nod is a reward for persistence. For the Toronto Tempo, it is validation. The expansion franchise, in its inaugural season, now has a face – a player who embodies grit.
Looking ahead, Mabrey’s role in the Tempo’s future is central. She is under contract through 2028. The team, currently fighting for a playoff spot in the competitive Eastern Conference, relies on her scoring and court vision. Her story may also inspire other late-bloomers across the league.
“I didn’t know if this day would come,” Mabrey said. “But I never stopped believing.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: When was Marina Mabrey named an WNBA All-Star for the first time?
- A: She was named to her first All-Star team on July 9, 2026, as announced by the Toronto Tempo.
- Q: What were Marina Mabrey’s stats before her breakout season with the Toronto Tempo?
- A: In her first seven seasons, she averaged around 8 points and 3 assists per game, primarily as a bench player.
- Q: How has Marina Mabrey performed in the 2026 season?
- A: Through 25 games, she is averaging 18.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.1 rebounds, shooting 47% from the field and 42% from three-point range.