Diana Taurasi, the trailblazing scorer in WNBA history, has announced her retirement after a remarkable 20-year career. The 42-year-old Taurasi revealed her decision in an interview with Time magazine, stating she feels “full” and happy, having accomplished everything she set out to do.
A five-time WNBA scoring champion and 14-time All-WNBA selection, Taurasi dominated the league for two decades, breaking numerous records along the way. She led Phoenix Mercury to three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, and 2014) and won six Olympic gold medals, becoming the first basketball player to achieve this feat.
Taurasi’s impact extends beyond her impressive stats. She was an inspiration to teammates, earning praise from coaches like Sandy Brondello and Geno Auriemma, who described her as “the greatest competitor” and “a great teammate.” Fellow players, including Sue Bird and Becky Hammon, praised Taurasi for her infectious personality and ability to motivate those around her.
Throughout her career, Taurasi faced challenges, including a DUI arrest in 2009 and a provisional ban for alleged use of the stimulant modafinil. However, she persevered and continued to excel on the court.
As Taurasi hangs up her sneakers, she leaves behind an indelible mark on women’s basketball. Her legacy will be remembered for generations to come, inspiring future players to follow in her footsteps.
Source: https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/44013848/diana-taurasi-wnba-all-leading-scorer-announces-retirement