LAS VEGAS — The University of Nevada, Las Vegas athletic department will honor former Lady Rebel star Desi‑Rae Young by retiring her No. 23 jersey at the team’s home opener on Friday, Nov. 6, against UT San Antonio. This will be only the fourth jersey retirement in the history of UNLV women’s basketball and the first in more than two decades.
Young’s legacy on the court
Young, a Desert Oasis High School alumna, finished her collegiate career as a two‑time Mountain West Player of the Year and an All‑American. She joins a very exclusive group of Lady Rebels, becoming only the second player in program history to record at least 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds. Over her four‑year tenure she earned 11 Mountain West Player of the Week honors, three consecutive first‑team all‑conference selections, and was named the 2023 Mountain West Tournament MVP.
Coach La Rocque praises the impact
“I am the lucky one to have been able to start my coaching career with a player like Desi‑Rae on our roster,” said UNLV head coach Lindy La Rocque. “It didn’t take me long to figure out that she was special and was going to leave a lasting legacy here at UNLV.”
Young’s own words
In a statement released Monday, Young expressed gratitude to the university and the community that supported her journey. “I am forever grateful to UNLV and to the Lady Rebels,” she said. “I couldn’t have done any of this without the staff and this community. And to my teammates, from my freshman year through my final season: thank you. You made this journey what it was.”
What the retirement means
While the No. 23 jersey will be raised to the rafters, the university announced that the number will remain available for future players, allowing the legacy to inspire the next generation of Lady Rebels.
Looking ahead
The jersey‑retirement ceremony will be part of the home‑opening festivities on Nov. 6, giving fans an early‑season celebration of UNLV’s storied women’s basketball history. The Lady Rebels will then face UT San Antonio in what promises to be a competitive matchup, with the team hoping to build on Young’s example of hard work, faith, and family values.
UNLV’s athletic department encourages fans to attend the ceremony and support the Lady Rebels as they begin the 2026‑27 season. For more information on ticketing and event details, visit the UNLV athletics website.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
