Sports
UNLV Retires Desi-Rae Young's No. 23 Jersey, First in 23 Years
Las Vegas native Desi-Rae Young became the fourth player in UNLV women's basketball history to have her jersey retired, with the Lady Rebels honoring her No. 23 before a 69-51 win over UTSA. Young's legacy includes 2,017 points, 1,081 rebounds, three Mountain West titles, and three NCAA Tournament appearances.
LAS VEGAS â Desi-Rae Young, a Las Vegas native and former All-American, became the fourth player in UNLV women's basketball history to have her jersey retired when the Lady Rebels raised her No. 23 to the rafters of The Pavilion on Friday night. It was the program's first jersey retirement in 23 years, and it came before UNLV's home opener against UTSA.
Young, who starred at Desert Oasis High School before joining the Lady Rebels, helped lead UNLV to one of the most successful stretches in program history. From 2022 through 2024, the team captured three consecutive Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships and earned three straight NCAA Tournament appearances. Young was named Mountain West Player of the Year twice and earned All-American honors.
During her four seasons at UNLV, Young scored 2,017 points and grabbed 1,081 rebounds, becoming just the second player in program history to reach both milestones. She finished her collegiate career ranked second on UNLV's all-time scoring list and fourth in rebounds. She also set a program record with 30 points in UNLV's 2024 NCAA Tournament game against Creighton.
After college, Young continued her basketball career professionally in Rwanda and Israel, where she helped Hapoel Rishon LeZion win a championship during the 2025-26 season.
"From Desert Oasis High School to the rafters of The Pavilion, Las Vegas native Desi-Rae Young has officially cemented her legacy as one of the greatest players in UNLV women's basketball history," the university said in a statement.
The Lady Rebels capped the historic evening with a 69-51 victory over UTSA, earning their first win of the season. Jasmyn Lott led UNLV with a game-high 22 points, and head coach Lindy La Rocque celebrated her 150th career victory.
UNLV improves to 1-1 and will return to The Pavilion on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to host Arizona State at 6:30 p.m.