Every great athlete eventually faces the moment when they must walk away from the sport they have dedicated their entire life to. For Diana Taurasi, that moment arrived after two decades of dominating women’s basketball at every level. The Phoenix Mercury legend officially announced her retirement, closing the chapter on one of the most accomplished and influential careers in WNBA history.
JuJu Watkins Acknowledges Diana Taurasi’s Impact on Basketball
While many expected this to be her final season, her official decision still sent shockwaves through the basketball world. She prompted reactions from fellow athletes, including rising star JuJu Watkins.
Shortly after Taurasi’s retirement became public, ESPN’s Instagram page shared a post honoring the legendary player with the caption:
“Basketball legend Diana Taurasi spoke about her decision to retire 🐐.”
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Watkins, one of the most promising young talents in women’s basketball, quickly acknowledged the news by resharing the post on her Instagram story. She kept her message short but meaningful, writing: “one of the greatest.”
Taurasi’s decision to retire came after months of speculation regarding whether she would attempt one final championship run with the Phoenix Mercury. In an interview with TIME, she provided a straightforward explanation for stepping away from the game, saying:
“I just didn’t have it in me. That was pretty much when I knew it was time to walk away.”
At 42 years old, Taurasi leaves the WNBA as its all-time leader in points (10,646) and three-pointers made (1,447). She spent her entire professional career with the Phoenix Mercury, leading the franchise to three championships (2007, 2009, 2014).
She also won the 2009 WNBA MVP award and earned two Finals MVP honors, solidifying her status as one of the greatest players the league has ever seen.
Diana Taurasi’s College Dominance at UConn
Before making her mark in the WNBA, Taurasi was a generational talent at the University of Connecticut. Under the leadership of head coach Geno Auriemma, she played a crucial role in securing three NCAA national championships for the Huskies.
She was a key part of the 2001-02 team, which also featured future WNBA stars Sue Bird, Swin Cash, Tamika Williams, and Asjha Jones. That team went undefeated and is still widely regarded as one of the best squads in women’s college basketball history.
During her four-year tenure at UConn, Taurasi earned several prestigious accolades, including the National Player of the Year award and two First-Team All-American selections.
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She was also named the Most Outstanding Player in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing her ability to shine in high-pressure moments. Even years after her collegiate career ended, she remained one of the program’s all-time greats, ranking 10th in scoring and third in assists.
Reflecting on Taurasi’s retirement, Auriemma struggled to summarize her legacy in just a few words.
“It’s hard to put into words, it really is, what this means,” he said in a statement.
“When someone’s defined the game, when someone’s had such an impact on so many people and so many places. You can’t define it with a quote. It’s a life that is a novel, it’s a movie, it’s a miniseries, it’s a saga. It’s the life of an extraordinary person who, I think, had as much to do with changing women’s basketball as anyone who’s ever played the game.”
Taurasi’s impact on the game extended beyond her records and championships. Her relentless competitiveness and fiery personality made her one of the sport’s most captivating figures. Her longtime friend and former teammate, Sue Bird, emphasized how Taurasi’s attitude on the court made her stand out.
“It’s just the full package,” Bird explained.
“You add on some swag to that, some s*** talking to that — the more you piss her off, the better she plays, people are entertained by that.”
This fearless and confident approach helped Taurasi become a fan favorite and one of the WNBA’s most influential players. Whether in the NCAA, the WNBA, or on the international stage, she had a unique ability to perform at her best when the stakes were highest.
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Auriemma also spoke about how Taurasi transcended the sport, saying:
“In my opinion, what the greats have in common is, they transcend the sport and become synonymous with the sport. For as long as people talk about college basketball, WNBA basketball, Olympic basketball, Diana is the greatest winner in the history of basketball, period.
“I’ve had the pleasure of being around her for a lot of those moments, and she’s the greatest teammate I’ve ever coached. I’m happy for her and her family. At the same time, I’m sad that I’ll never get to see her play again, but I saw more than most.”
Every legendary career must eventually come to an end, and for Diana Taurasi, that time has arrived. Her retirement marks the conclusion of an era in women’s basketball, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of players.
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