Tina Charles is officially stepping away from basketball.
On Tuesday, the veteran center announced her retirement.
“It was all a dream. That’s the thought that keeps finding me ― that and deep gratitude,” Charles wrote on social media.
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“Today, I officially announce my retirement from basketball. Fifteen years at the professional level and a lifetime of love for this game. I’ve experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows, and I’m thankful for all of it. Through it all, I learned how to show up. When doubt got loud and narratives were written about me, I kept showing up. That’s the New Yorker in me, where resilience is built, not talked about.”
Charles spent 15 seasons in the WNBA playing with six franchises. She was an eight-time All-Star, the 2012 regular-season MVP and the unanimous 2010 Rookie of the Year. Charles also led the league in rebounds four times (2010-2012, 2016), won two scoring titles (2016, 2021) and earned nine All-WNBA selections plus four All-Defensive team selections. The 37-year-old won three gold medals with Team USA Basketball in 2012, 2016 and 2021.
Charles retires as the WNBA leader in career rebounds (4,262) and field goals made (3,364). She finished second in points scored (8,396) behind Diana Taurasi (10,646).
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“This game gave me everything, and I’ll miss it deeply,” Charles said. “But my mom always taught me, don’t stop at what you’ve done, keep going toward what you still see. And I still see so much. There are still dreams in my heart waiting to be lived, and I can’t wait to share that journey with you all.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tina Charles announces WNBA retirement after 15 seasons
