At just 19 years old, Awa Pham was the youngest player to be drafted into the WNBA on Monday night, but that didn’t stop her from being selected third overall by the Seattle Storm. The 6’4” center from Spain has already shown her ability on the international stage, competing in the EuroCup Women and EuroLeague Women with Spanish club team Valencia Basket, which she joined in 2021 (when she was 15). Now, she will bring the skills she acquired in Europe to W-And Her smooth, European sense of style for the WNBA tunnel.
For the 2026 WNBA Draft, the Pham teamed up Courtney MaysOne of the most prominent stylists in the WNBA and NBA landscape, having worked with everyone from the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart to “Point God” Chris Paul. Mace and Pham were connected through the latter’s sports agency, CAA. “I’m always grateful when my friends and mentors call me out for these big moments,” Mays tells Who What Wear. “With Awa, once we met, it was a lot of synergy.” The family agrees. “Courtney and I connected very naturally throughout this whole process,” she explains. “From the beginning, I felt like she really understood this approach – she took the time to ask about my priorities, and that connection felt important to me.”
(Image credit: Laurel Golio)
Finding the right stylist doesn’t always happen the first time, but in this case, the partnership was successful, resulting in Fam walking the orange carpet at Draft in a beautiful, draped dress by Turkish resortwear brand Seadress in her country’s colors. The red dress featured various cutouts and ties, which gave it an interesting shape, while it was made of a soft, yet heavy fabric, which allowed Pham to remain comfortable during the long evening.
Anyone who knows anything about the fitting process knows that rarely does the first thing you try on end up on the carpet, and this was not an uncommon case. “We explored a variety of looks for Awa, but this Shopbop piece from Turkish designer Seadress immediately stood out for its effortless yet chic balance,” says Mes. “The moment she put it on, her face lit up and her whole energy changed – that’s always a sign we’ve found something special at the fitting.” According to Mace, she particularly liked the dress for her because of how authentically it represented Pham’s natural style – which Pham describes as “effortless and clean” – while still being elevated enough for such a big moment in her life and career. “We wanted to find something that… would make me feel confident walking into such an important night,” says Pham. And they hit the nail on the head.
Scroll down for more from Awa Pham and her stylist Courtney Mays about Pham’s look for the 2026 WNBA Draft.
(Image credit: Laurel Golio)
How are you feeling going into the draft?
Awa family: I feel amazing. Spectacular. I still can’t believe I’m here. It really feels like a dream come true, and I’m so grateful. I am also very proud to represent my country and my people. Being here means a lot, and it makes this moment even more special.
How did you and Courtney connect, and what has the styling process for DRAFT been like for you so far?
Air Force: Courtney and I connected very naturally throughout this entire process. From the beginning, I felt like she really understood this vision. She took the time to ask about my priorities and that connection felt important to me.
What has been your styling approach for Ava tonight, one of the biggest nights of her career so far?
Courtney Mays: When I met Ava for the first time, I was impressed! Actually, she is a supermodel. A lot about my styling approach is about connecting with the individual and understanding what fits and enhances not only the physical but also the innate style sensibility. I want to instill confidence. We also wanted to use this moment as a platform to celebrate her Spanish background, while also marking the beginning of this new chapter at W.
(Image credit: Laurel Golio)
Talk to me about the look you captured for Aava and how did you both decide on this look? What’s special about it and what made it feel right for tonight’s occasion?
cm: We searched a variety of looks for Awa, but this Shopbop piece from Turkish designer Ceydress immediately stood out for its effortless yet charming balance. As soon as she put it on, her face lit up and her whole energy changed – that’s always a sign we found something special at the fitting. It felt authentic to her style, while still being elevated enough for the occasion, making it the perfect choice for tonight. Knowing how much Shopbop values athletes and stylists in the sports world, it was almost inevitable to work with them on this line.
Why did you choose this look? Tell me about it.
Air Force: The styling process has been really fun and exciting. We wanted to find something that felt authentic to who I am and that made me feel confident walking into such an important night.
(Image credit: Laurel Golio)
What are you most excited about tonight? What about your rookie season in the WNBA?
Air Force: I’m most excited to be there and see my family sitting at the table with me, as well as the people who have been a part of my journey. That will be a really special moment. I just want to enjoy the night, because I know it will be one of the best nights of my life. For my rookie season, I’m excited to learn about the league, grow as a player, and make a real impact on the game. I want to improve on the areas I need to get better at and continue to grow every day. And yes, I want to help my team win. I’m very competitive, so this is a big goal for me and I’m really looking forward to it.
How would you describe your style on the court? And Your personal style?
Air Force: On the court, I would describe my style as competitive, intense, and versatile. I play with a lot of energy and passion. Off the court my style is more relaxed and clean. I’m attracted to pieces that feel feminine while also being strong and confident. I love feeling beautiful, while also being comfortable and true to myself.
Regarding the latter, are you planning to feature it regularly in the tunnel?
Air Force: Definitely. I believe fashion is a fun way to express personality and confidence. The tunnel is a great place to show that side of you, so I’m excited to have fun with it and bring my own style to this moment.
(Image credit: Laurel Golio)
Generally speaking, with so much buzz around the W right now after the new CBA, free agency, new rookies, etc., do you have any predictions about the role of fashion in the league this season and tunnel culture in 2026?
cm: I can only hope that the conversation between sports and fashion will continue to grow. We, as fans, understand athletes as arbiters and influencers of style and culture. I’m excited to continue this conversation in the fashion world and move beyond just a walk in the tunnel.
It seems that draft night photos live on forever, 20 years later they are always pulled up in interviews and featured in articles. Is this what you thought about when you were helping Ava prepare her look for tonight?
cm: As a stylist, this look is a little more trend-forward than my usual preference, but I’m excited by it. I think this look connects strongly to her personal style sensibility today, and I love that this moment will be a time capsule for how we celebrate her new journey.
You’ve dressed WNBA athletes for many big moments, from the All-Star Game to Met Gala. What makes drafting someone especially special on draft night?
cm: This moment is like opening the first chapter of a book series. I’m grateful and inspired to be a part of this process and often work with stylists for the first time, whether in glam or on the red carpet. This feels special! I am like a proud elder sister.
shop awa look
