Diana Taurasi announced her retirement on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of an illustrious 20-year tenure with the Phoenix Mercury. Her career is highlighted by numerous achievements that have firmly established her legacy in the sport.
In the Womenโs National Basketball Association (WNBA), Taurasi holds the all-time record for career points, having scored 10,646 points throughout her time on the court. Her remarkable skills and leadership contributed to her team securing three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014. During her career, she was honored with 14 All-WNBA selections and was named the Finals MVP twice, in 2009 and 2014. Her stellar performance in 2009 also earned her the title of WNBA MVP, complementing her Rookie of the Year award from back in 2004. Throughout her time in the league, she was selected as an All-Star 11 times, showcasing her consistent excellence and popularity.
On the international stage, Taurasiโs contributions to the U.S. womenโs basketball team are unparalleled. She captured six Olympic gold medals, participating in the games of 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, and 2024. Additionally, she was a part of the team that won the Womenโs World Cup three times, as they claimed gold medals in 2010, 2014, and 2018.
Before her professional career, Taurasi was a dominant force in college basketball. She played for the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she was central to their three consecutive NCAA championship titles from 2002 to 2004. Her impact was further recognized as she was named the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in both 2003 and 2004. She was also the recipient of the prestigious Wade Trophy in 2003, an acknowledgment of her status as one of the top collegiate players in the nation.
Diana Taurasiโs departure from the sport marks the end of an era characterized by her extraordinary talent, leadership, and accomplishments on the basketball court. As she steps away from professional play, her legacy as one of the greatest in womenโs basketball history endures.