On February 25, 2025, the basketball world received monumental news: Diana Taurasi, one of the greatest players in women’s basketball history, announced her retirement after an extraordinary 20-year career in the WNBA. The announcement, shared with TIME magazine, marks the end of an era for a player whose impact transcended the court. "Mentally and physically, I’m just full," Taurasi said, reflecting on a journey that spanned two decades, multiple championships, and a legacy that will inspire generations. From her dominance at UConn to her unparalleled tenure with the Phoenix Mercury and her international accolades, Taurasi’s career is a testament to skill, tenacity, and an unrelenting competitive spirit. Let’s dive into the chapters of her remarkable story.

 

 

 

Diana Taurasi Announces Retirement

The news broke on a Tuesday evening, sending ripples through the sports community. Taurasi, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, chose to step away after 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, the only team she ever called home in the professional league. Her decision wasn’t entirely unexpected—speculation had swirled since the end of the 2024 season—but the finality of it still hit hard. In her statement to TIME, she expressed a sense of fulfillment, signaling that she was ready to close this chapter. Fans, teammates, and opponents alike took to social media to celebrate her contributions, with sentiments echoing a collective gratitude for witnessing her brilliance.

Taurasi’s retirement doesn’t just mark the end of a playing career; it signifies the conclusion of a transformative presence in women’s basketball. She entered the league in 2004 as the No. 1 overall pick and leaves as a cultural icon who helped elevate the WNBA’s visibility and credibility. Her fiery personality, clutch performances, and unapologetic confidence made her a fan favorite and a formidable adversary.

The decision to retire came after months of reflection. Following the Mercury’s playoff exit in September 2024 at the hands of the Minnesota Lynx, Taurasi avoided immediate declarations, choosing instead to savor the moment with her family in Hawaii. Throughout the 2024 season, hints of a farewell tour emerged, with the Mercury’s social media team subtly nodding to her potential departure. Yet, Taurasi kept everyone guessing, her coy demeanor a signature trait. When she finally spoke on the matter late in 2024, she said, "I don’t take retirement lightly," underscoring the weight of her choice.

Her last game—if it proves to be so—was a 101-88 loss to the Lynx in the playoffs. Fittingly, she went out swinging, even picking up a technical foul, a nod to her fiery reputation. The Target Center crowd gave her a standing ovation, a classy gesture for a player who’d earned respect league-wide. Retirement closes a 20-year run that began when she was just 22, fresh off a stellar college career, and ends with her as a 42-year-old veteran who’d seen—and shaped—the WNBA’s evolution.

 As she steps away, the question looms: what’s next for the legend known simply as "DT"?

 

 

 

Diana Taurasi Career Stats

To understand Taurasi’s greatness, one need only look at the numbers—she leaves the game with a statistical resume that few can rival. Over 565 regular-season games, all with the Mercury, she amassed 10,897 points, making her the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer. Her scoring prowess wasn’t just about volume; it was about efficiency and versatility. Taurasi averaged 19.2 points per game across her career, complemented by 4.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds, showcasing her ability to impact every facet of the game.

Her shooting touch was legendary, particularly from beyond the arc. Taurasi retires with 1,485 three-pointers made, another league record, at a career 38.8% clip from deep. She led the WNBA in scoring five times, with her peak performance coming in 2006 when she averaged 25.3 points per game. Even in her final season at age 42, she remained a potent threat, averaging double-digit points and proving her skill hadn’t diminished with time. These stats paint a picture of a player who redefined what it meant to be a guard in women’s basketball—fearless, precise, and relentless.

 

 

 

Diana Taurasi Awards

Taurasi’s trophy case is a shrine to her excellence. In the WNBA, she earned three championships (2007, 2009, 2014), taking home Finals MVP honors in 2009 and 2014. Her 2009 season was a masterpiece—averaging 20.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists, she won the league MVP award, cementing her status as the game’s premier talent. She was an 11-time All-Star, a 10-time All-WNBA First Team selection, and the 2004 Rookie of the Year, a debut that foreshadowed her dominance.

Internationally, Taurasi’s record is unmatched. She won six Olympic gold medals with Team USA (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2024), a feat that stands alone in basketball history. Add to that three EuroLeague MVP awards and three Russian League Player of the Year honors, and her global impact becomes clear. Stateside, her college accolades—two Naismith Awards (2003, 2004) and three Associated Press All-America nods—set the stage for a career dripping with recognition.

 

 

 

Diana Taurasi Championships

Championships were the heartbeat of Taurasi’s career, a testament to her ability to rise in the biggest moments. At UConn, she delivered three NCAA titles from 2002 to 2004, each victory a showcase of her leadership and scoring. In the WNBA, she brought the Mercury their only three championships—2007, 2009, and 2014. The 2009 run was her magnum opus, averaging 20.4 points in the Finals and earning MVP honors as Phoenix toppled the Indiana Fever. In 2014, she guided a 29-5 Mercury squad to another title, again claiming Finals MVP.
Her Olympic dominance added six gold medals to her haul, from Athens 2004 to Paris 2024, making her the most decorated basketball Olympian ever. Each championship, whether collegiate, professional, or international, bore her imprint—clutch shots, trash talk, and an unshakable will to win. These triumphs weren’t just victories; they were statements of her greatness.

 

 

 

Diana Taurasi UConn Legacy

Before the WNBA, Taurasi’s legend was born at the University of Connecticut under coach Geno Auriemma. Arriving in 2000 as the nation’s top high school recruit, she wasted no time making her mark. Over three seasons (2001-2004), she led UConn to three consecutive NCAA championships, a dynasty-defining run. Her 2,156 points rank her among the program’s all-time greats—until Paige Bueckers surpassed her in February 2025, a moment Taurasi likely took in stride, given her competitive yet gracious nature.

At UConn, Taurasi’s flair and clutch gene shone. She was twice named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player and earned the Naismith Award as National Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. Auriemma once said of her, “We have Dee, and they don’t,” a succinct summary of her game-changing presence. Her UConn years weren’t just about titles; they were where she honed the swagger and skill that would define her pro career, forging a bond with Auriemma that endured, as evidenced by his presence at her final home game in 2024.

 

 

 

A Legacy Etched in History

As Diana Taurasi walks away from the game, she leaves behind a legacy that’s both quantifiable—stats, awards, titles—and intangible. She was a pioneer who demanded respect for women’s basketball, a trash-talking maestro who backed it up, and a mentor who pushed teammates to their best. The WNBA grew in her era, and she was a driving force behind its ascent. Whether she transitions to coaching, ownership, or simply enjoys life with her wife Penny and their children, Taurasi’s influence will endure. The court may be quieter without her, but her echo will resonate for decades.