NaLyssa Smith: Home Sweet Home w/ Win Now Squad

NaLyssa Smith stole the show in her opening press conference with the Dallas Wings.

Adorned in her ten-gallon cowboy hat, a denim outfit, and her finest cowboy boots, she truly feels like she is in a better place—literally and figuratively.

… and that better place is back home in Texas. Smith’s origin story begins in San Antonio, Texas, where she grew up just four hours from the Dallas Wings’ facility.

Additionally, Smith was a standout in college. She attended Baylor University, about an hour away from Dallas. After her time at Baylor, Smith’s legacy was cemented as one of the best players in the collegiate program. Her legacy ended with her being named a two-time First Team All-American and a national champion. A few months later, she was selected second overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft.

Smith then found herself playing for the Indiana Fever franchise. After spending multiple seasons in Indiana, she helped the franchise break a near-decade-long playoff drought. However, this offseason, the Fever decided to move in a new direction. Now, Smith finds herself back in a state that has supported her since high school.

For Smith, this homecoming is more than just a personal milestone. It’s about bringing glory back to her hometown and bringing a winning mentality to a team on the rise.

“I’m excited. Anytime I get to play in front of my family, anytime. I’m excited… it’s going to be fun,” Smith said.

Additionally, Smith is also excited to play on the same team as All-WNBA guard Arike Ogunbowale.

“I’ve been a fan of [Arike Ogunbowale’s] game since college. I like dogs. I like people who can get out there and just hoop… it’ll be super fun,” Smith added.

A Baylor Reunion in Dallas

The best part about coming home for people, oftentimes, is bringing friends over. Hosting friends at your place can lead to fun and memorable moments that you can cherish together.

Although not “directly” responsible for Carrington’s arrival in Dallas (that would be thanks to the amazing moves of Curt Miller), Smith is once again reunited with her former teammate. NaLyssa Smith is now once again playing with DiJonai Carrington in the Lone Star State.

The two played for the Baylor Bears back in 2021. The duo helped their Baylor team finish with an insane 28-3 record in the regular season. Meanwhile, their season came to a halt because of a heartbreaking loss to Paige Bueckers and the UConn Huskies. Ironically enough, Bueckers is projected to go No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

However, between Carrington and Smith, reuniting the duo that once terrorized opponents in college will be a blessing for the Wings’ this season. The chemistry and cohesion between the duo add yet another layer of excitement to the Wings’ revamped roster.

“All four of us here are winners, and that’s what we’re bringing here, that winning mentality… we’re here to win,” said Carrington, setting the tone for what the new-look Wings hope to accomplish.

 

Myisha Hines-Allen Brings Championship Pedigree

Another key addition this offseason is none other than Myisha Hines-Allen.

Hines-Allen spent most of her career with the Washington Mystics before being traded midseason to the Minnesota Lynx. However, after the trade and playing for Minnesota, Hines-Allen played an integral role during their championship appearance.

The seven-year WNBA veteran brings a lot of experience to the Wings franchise. As one of the most experienced players in the franchise, Hines-Allen has already won a championship with the Mystics in 2019. Hines-Allen is known for her versatility, toughness, and leadership. For the Wings front court, she will be a huge upgrade. This offseason signing was crucial for the franchise. As a veteran in the WNBA, she brings postseason experience to a Dallas team that wants to return to their winning ways.

“We are excited to welcome Myisha to Dallas,” Wings GM Curt Miller said. “She was a free agent priority and a player targeted by us for her versatility, toughness, and veteran presence.”

Additionally, Hines-Allen has already played with Smith. The two of them played together in the Turkish basketball league for Galatasaray. Hines-Allen had a lot of glowing praise for her former and now current teammate.

“There’s always room to improve…we played together two years ago in Turkey. Just to see her growth every year so far…I remember the first time we were teammates in Turkey…just to see her growth from college to now, to the pros…1-on-1 basketball with her, she’s just another player you roll out the basketball and she will get a bucket” said Myisha Hines-Allen.

A Texas Takeover

Smith’s excitement about being back in Texas is more than evident. She’s in a better place, once again, literally and figuratively.

However, she is not only focusing on basketball but also on her Texas community.

“I think it’s super cool… we see a lot of Baylor fans when we’re on the road, but now we get to see them more often,” Smith said.

The return to Texas brings a sense of familiarity. With her new teammates in Carrington, Hines-Allen, and Tyasha Harris joining her, the Wings have now assembled a very solid team. A team that has a combinaton of maturity, chemistry, experience, and star power.

For Smith, playing in front of her family and a fanbase that has cheered for her since her Baylor days is the perfect setup.

“Now my grandpa gets to come to games,” she said with a smile.

The Dallas Wings are not just building a roster—they’re building a culture. That culture that started with Ogunbowale, continues with Smith. With Smith leading the charge, this homecoming feels like the start of something special.