VAUGHN RECEIVES DEGREE DURING WASHINGTON MYSTICS' PRE-GAME CEREMONY
05/27/2008
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Former Virginia Commonwealth University women’s basketball standout Krystal Vaughn (Baltimore, Md.) achieved one of her lifetime goals when she was drafted into the WNBA in April. The team that drafted her, the Washington Mystics, helped her celebrate another significant achievement prior to the Mystics’ home opener Sunday.

Vaughn became the first member of her family to graduate from college, earning her degree in sport management from VCU in May. Unfortunately for Vaughn, she was unable to receive her degree in person because she was in Indiana for the Mystics’ season opener.

“Missing graduation was hard, real hard,” Vaughn said. “It was definitely worth it, but it was hard.”

The Mystics tried to soften the blow with a surprise ceremony prior to the team’s home game against the Houston Comets on Sunday afternoon. Approximately 10 minutes prior to tip-off, the team pulled her from warm-up drills and brought her to mid-court. Waiting for her were members of the Mystics’ front office, VCU head coach Beth Cunningham and her husband, Dan. Coach Cunningham read a congratulatory letter from VCU president Dr. Eugene Trani, and Vaughn was presented with her degree and flowers. Following the game, the team snapped pictures of Vaughn in her cap and gown. Approximately 40 members of Vaughn’s family were in attendance.

“Oh man, I had no idea they were going to do that,” Vaughn said. “It was a complete surprise. I’ve just been so blessed to have these people in my life.”

“This is a significant accomplishment for Krystal,” Cunningham said. “To receive her degree in four years just shows what a remarkable student-athlete she is. Certainly, it’s obvious what she’s done for us on the basketball court. This just indicates how far she’s come as an all-around student-athlete. I’m especially proud of her for where she’s come from and what she’s been able to accomplish.”

Once the game started, Vaughn scored four points and pulled down one rebound to help the Mystics capture their first win of the season, a 69-66 triumph over the Comets. Vaughn, a first-team All-CAA performer with VCU in her senior season, is averaging 2.3 points and 1.0 rebound per outing for Washington through three contests entering Tuesday night’s home game against Atlanta.