"While my time as a Spartan has come to an end, basketball has been a constant in my life, and I’m eager to keep it a part of my future," Ayrault said in her announcement post. "With that, I’m excited to announce that I am declaring for the WNBA draft."

In her five years playing at MSU, Ayrault has put up some of the all-time numbers in program history and has been a constant for the team for half of the last decade. Over her career in the green and white, Ayrault averaged 9.8 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game and 1.3 blocks per game on 44.3% shooting.

Ayrault broke out in the last two seasons, however, earning All-Big Ten accolades in each. In 2023-24, her first season under head coach Robyn Fralick, Ayrault averaged a career-high 15.4 points per game along with 7.3 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game. It was in this standout season where Ayrault emerged as an encouraging big presence on a team that was seen as heavily undersized.

In her final year, Ayrault averaged 14.4 points and matched her 7.3 rebounds per game, serving as one of the team’s few veteran voices. Beyond her stats, she became known as a dependable scorer, a rim protector and a respected leader within the locker room.

"We are so lucky to coach Julia, we’re so lucky," Fralick said following the team’s final regular season home game. "Julia is a Spartan, you know. I could give a million words to describe her, but if I could give one word it  would be Spartan. She loves Michigan State, she loves this university, she loves these people, she loves this program."

That same Spartan identity shone through in Ayrault’s farewell message.

"I have loved my time at Michigan State more than anything," Ayrault said. "Thank you to my family, friends, coaches and teammates for making my time here more enjoyable than I could have ever imagined."

The 2025 WNBA Draft is scheduled for Monday, April 14 in New York City. Before then, Ayrault will take part in the Lily Women’s College All-Star Game on Saturday, April 5.