Diana Taurasi’s WNBA retirement sparked tributes for her trailblazing career

by February 25, 2025

written by February 25, 2025

Diana Taurasi’s WNBA retirement sparked tributes for her trailblazing career

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 19: Diana Taurasi #3 of the Phoenix Mercury handles the ball during the first half of the WNBA game against the Seattle Storm at Footprint Center on September 19, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Legendary Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi announced her retirement on Tuesday, capping 20 seasons of dominant WNBA play.

Taurasi is one of the best to ever take the court in the WNBA, winning three titles with Phoenix in 2007, 2009 and 2014. She was the league’s MVP in 2009 as well.

“Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” Taurasi told TIME about her retirement decision. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

Taurasi played at UConn for Geno Auriemma from 2000-04, where she won three straight national titles with the Huskies in 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Phoenix selected her with the first-overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft. She would go on to spend 20 seasons playing for the franchise.

Taurasi was an 11-time WNBA All-Star and two-time WNBA Finals MVP in her career. She also won six Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

The tributes were immediate for Taurasi’s incredible career.

After 20 years of playing in the WNBA, Diana Taurasi is officially retiring 🧡

Thank you Diana for changing the game forever, all of the accolades could never amount to the type of person and edge you embodied when you stepped out there on the court

One-of-One 💐 pic.twitter.com/dEtE4NDrGH

— WNBA (@WNBA) February 25, 2025

Phoenix Mercury and Suns owner Mat Ishbia on Taurasi:

“Diana is the greatest to have ever played the game. I’ve been a fan of her my entire life, she is the ultimate leader and teammate. She’s had an incredible impact on our franchise, our community and the game of basketball.” pic.twitter.com/yD6nBn2Fq9

— DANA (@iam_DanaScott) February 25, 2025

How lucky were we to witness the greatness of Diana Taurasi. There will never be another.

-6x Olympic Gold Medalist
-3x WNBA Champion
-2x Finals MVP
-WNBA MVP
-11x All-Star
-10x WNBA 1st Team
-6x Euroleague Champion
-3x NCAA Champion
-1st Player in league history 10,000 pts pic.twitter.com/hiOhPRcxhY

— Rachel Galligan (@RachGall) February 25, 2025

One of the true GOATs. A trailblazer who made women’s basketball recognizable in a time where it was barely getting any recognition https://t.co/Vynizn3Uzc

— “Sports fan Mark Kremer” (@mark_kremer) February 25, 2025