PHOENIX — After two decades of unparalleled achievements in women’s basketball, Diana Taurasi has announced her retirement. Known as the leading scorer in the history of the WNBA and a thrice-crowned champion with the league, Taurasi disclosed her decision during an interview with Time magazine. The Phoenix Mercury, the sole WNBA team she graced her presence with, affirmed her departure.
Reflecting on her career, Taurasi shared with Time, “Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.” Her trademark poise and unwavering self-belief have indeed inspired a generation of athletes, as she amassed records and clinched championships throughout her illustrious career.
Taurasi played a pivotal role in securing three consecutive national titles for UConn from 2001 to 2004. Her journey of triumph continued after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Mercury in the 2004 WNBA draft. Reflecting on her impact, UConn coach Geno Auriemma commented, “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.”
The 42-year-old closed her WNBA chapter with a remarkable sixth Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games and a total of 10,646 career points, a significant lead over the second-spot holder, Tina Charles. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert lauded Taurasi, stating, “She leaves a lasting legacy and the future of the WNBA is in a great position because of her impact, that will be felt for generations to come.”
In her career, Taurasi captured three WNBA championships with the Mercury and six Euroleague titles while playing globally. Her accolades include being the 2009 WNBA MVP and one of the select players to have been named WNBA Finals MVP more than once. Mercury owner Mat Ishbia expressed admiration, saying, “Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game. She’s had an incredible impact on our franchise, our community and the game of basketball.”
Taurasi’s list of honors extends to making the all-WNBA first team ten times, achieving first or second team status a record 14 times, and being an 11-time WNBA All-Star. She’s also a four-time USA Basketball female athlete of the year and was named the 2004 WNBA rookie of the year.
Geno Auriemma added, “In my opinion, what the greats have in common is, they transcend the sport and become synonymous with the sport. Diana is the greatest winner in the history of basketball, period. I’ve had the pleasure of being around her for a lot of those moments, and she’s the greatest teammate I’ve ever coached.”
Originating from Glendale, California, Taurasi holds numerous WNBA records, including those for playoff scoring, field goals, 3-pointers, and 30-point games, along with 16 Mercury records. With her retirement, Taurasi is looking forward to spending more time with her family, including her wife Penny Taylor, a former teammate, and their two children.
Throughout her career, Taurasi maintained an impressive average of 18.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. During her 20th season, she averaged 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while leading the Mercury to yet another playoff appearance. Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon remarked, “I mean, she just scored at all three levels. Just nasty out there. Just had that nasty, which I love. Like, you love that as a competitor. So our league is going to miss her.”
