Tennis star Diana Taurasi Announces Retirement from the WNBA After Two Decades of Play
Ending an era of dominance in the WNBA, basketball icon Diana Taurasi announced her retirement from the league in an interview with TIME. At 42 years old, the legendary player recognized that half-hearted participation wouldn't be fair to her teammates or herself, making the decision to retire in early January.
Taurasi, the greatest competitor and face of the WNBA, amassed an impressive array of achievements during her 20-year career. With three WNBA championships under her belt (2007, 2009, and 2014), she also picked up 11 All-Star selections, 14 All-WNBA honors, two Finals MVP awards, and even scored 10,646 regular-season points – a record that may not be broken for years to come.
The retired superstar showcased her versatility, setting the WNBA record for 3-pointers made with 1,447, more than double the total of second-place Sue Bird. Her relentless drive for success and pioneering approach to analytics opened the door for women's basketball players to embrace the modern game.
Mercury owner Mat Ishbia recognized her unmatched impact on the franchise and community, while team manager Nick U'Ren praised her unmatched work ethic and dedication. With so many accolades and impressive feats, it’s no wonder that Taurasi was often described as the most respected figure and voice of the WNBA.
Ahead of her retirement, Taurasi inspired future generations while sharing the Phoenix spotlight with fellow star Devin Booker. Her friendship with the pair eventually led to a close bond with LeBron James, who commended her influence on young players.
Taurasi's influence extended beyond her time in the WNBA as well. Her commitment to Team USA saw her rack up six Olympic gold medals, achieving an unmatched record of 42-0 during her Olympic career. Meanwhile, her stint in the UConn women's basketball pipeline saw three national championships secured under head coach Geno Auriemma.
As the WNBA's curtains close on Taurasi's illustrious career, her name and silhouette will forever remain on the Mercury's court, inspiring future generations to step up and aim for the same heights she reached. Her legacy will also continue to inspire players overseas, having claimed six EuroLeague titles and multiple championships in Russia and Turkey.
With Taurasi's retirement, the WNBA will undoubtedly undergo some changes. However, her spirit and tenacity will live on in every family she's touched and every young player who looks up to her as a role model.
Diana Taurasi's retirement from the WNBA, announced in early January, marked the end of an era of dominance for the league. Taurasi, a Phoenix Mercury player and WNBA legend, cited half-hearted participation as the reason for her decision, acknowledging it wouldn't be fair to her teammates or herself.
Taurasi's retirement leaves a significant void in the WNBA, as she had amassed an impressive list of achievements during her 20-year career. her longevity in the league, coupled with her skills and competitiveness, made her a standout figure in the WNBA, earning her numerous accolades such as three championships, 11 All-Star selections, and 14 All-WNBA honors, among others.
Taurasi's retirement also marks the end of an era of dominance for the Phoenix Mercury, a team that she helped shape and lead to success. her retirement from the WNBA is a testament to her unmatched impact on the franchise and the wider WNBA community.
Diana Taurasi's retirement from the WNBA is a significant loss for the league, but her influence and impact on women's basketball will undoubtedly continue beyond her time on the court. her legacy as a pioneer and a role model will inspire future generations of players to follow in her footsteps and strive for success in the WNBA.
