Diana Taurasi, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, has announced her retirement after an illustrious 20-season career in the WNBA.
Taurasi, the league’s career scoring leader and a three-time champion, revealed her decision in an interview with Time magazine on Tuesday. The Phoenix Mercury, the only team she played for, also confirmed the news.
“Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” Taurasi shared with Time. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”
Known for her tenacity and skill, Taurasi’s career has been marked by numerous accolades and records. She led UConn to three consecutive national titles from 2001 to 2004 before being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft by the Phoenix Mercury. Taurasi went on to win three WNBA championships with the Mercury and six Euroleague titles.
“It’s hard to put into words, it really is, what this means. When someone’s defined the game, when someone’s had such an impact on so many people and so many places. You can’t define it with a quote,” said UConn coach Geno Auriemma. “It’s a life that is a novel, it’s a movie, it’s a miniseries, it’s a saga. It’s the life of an extraordinary person who, I think, had as much to do with changing women’s basketball as anyone who’s ever played the game.”
Taurasi, 42, also claimed her sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games and concluded her WNBA career with 10,646 points, nearly 3,000 more than the second-place scorer, Tina Charles.
“I thank Diana for everything that she has brought to the WNBA — her passion, her charisma, and most of all, her relentless dedication to the game,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “She leaves a lasting legacy, and the future of the WNBA is in a great position because of her impact, which will be felt for generations to come.”
Throughout her career, Taurasi averaged 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. In her final season, she averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, leading the Mercury to the playoffs.
Taurasi looks forward to spending more time with her wife, Penny Taylor, a former Mercury teammate, and their two children.
As Taurasi steps away from the court, her influence on the game of basketball and the generations she has inspired will undoubtedly continue to resonate.
