Diana Taurasi (Azertac photo)
Diana Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, has officially announced her retirement after an illustrious 20-season career, according to ESPN.
“Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy,” the 42-year-old Taurasi told Time magazine.
From her standout collegiate years at UConn to her legendary tenure with the Phoenix Mercury, Taurasi’s impact on the game is undeniable.
She played a pivotal role in leading the Mercury to three WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014) and made history as the first basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert hailed Taurasi as “one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game” and commended her for rewriting the record books while inspiring fans around the world.
“Over a record-setting 20-season career, she scored more points and made more three-pointers than anyone in WNBA history, earning the admiration of players globally while delivering unforgettable moments for fans,” Engelbert said in a statement.
Taurasi’s career totals include an unprecedented 10,646 points across 565 regular-season games, making her the only player in WNBA history to surpass the 10,000-point milestone. She added another 1,476 points in 72 postseason appearances.
Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft, she became a cornerstone of the Phoenix Mercury franchise, leading the team to three league titles.
A five-time WNBA scoring champion and 14-time All-WNBA honoree, Taurasi was named league MVP in 2009 and earned Finals MVP honors in both 2009 and 2014.
She also departs as the WNBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers, with 1,447 in the regular season and 215 in the playoffs, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest shooters the sport has ever seen.
