BRISTOL, Conn — Nnemkadi Ogwumike is excited to be staying in California.

The Stanford senior was picked No. 1 in the WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday.

“I’m grateful for the L.A. Sparks for picking me,” Ogwumike said. “It means a lot and it’s one of the highest accolades I’ve ever received.”

Ogwumike helped guide the Cardinal to the Final Four during all four of her seasons at the school, including this year’s loss to eventual champion Baylor. The 6-foot-2 forward, who averaged 22.5 points and 10.2 rebounds this past season, is the first Stanford player to be taken with the No. 1 pick.

“I think looking back, a lot of the players could have gone No. 1,” Ogwumike said. “Things go different ways. I’m really proud to be part of this legacy.”