Diana Taurasi, the iconic guard for the Phoenix Mercury, has announced her retirement from professional basketball. At 42 years old, Taurasi leaves behind a career marked by unparalleled achievements and a legacy that has significantly shaped the landscape of women’s basketball in the United States.

Taurasi, who stands at six feet tall, has been a towering figure in U.S. women’s basketball for over two decades. Her retirement marks the end of an era, one that has seen her become the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and a six-time Olympic gold medalist. Taurasi’s impact on the sport extends beyond her individual accolades; she has been a driving force in the growth and popularity of women’s basketball in the United States.

In an interview published Tuesday in TIME Magazine, Taurasi reflected on her decision to retire. “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” she told TIME. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

“Mentally and physically, I’m just full. That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

Taurasi’s career is adorned with numerous achievements. She was named Most Valuable Player in 2009 and was an All-Star 11 times. She led the Mercury to three WNBA titles, Team USA to six Olympic gold medals, and her college team, the UConn Huskies, to three NCAA championships. Taurasi was the fastest to reach 5,000 career points and the only player to reach 10,000 points. She remains the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer.

Her retirement did not come as a complete surprise. After the Mercury’s last home game in September, Taurasi addressed the fans, who chanted “one more year.” She thanked the coaches, players, and everyone who has contributed to the WNBA, acknowledging the collective effort that has brought the league to its current status.

“I want to thank every single coach, every single player, every single person that’s put on a WNBA jersey, because it takes a village. For everyone who played before this league was where it is now, we’re thankful for you guys. And we’re thankful for the next generation.”

The WNBA has evolved significantly since Taurasi was drafted. When she joined the league, it was only eight years old. Now, at the end of her career, the league is in a much healthier place. The 2024 season saw an average of 1.6 million viewers for the thrilling Finals series between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx. A surge in attendance and a new media rights deal have put more money in teams’ pockets, and three new franchises are set to join the league in the next two years.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Taurasi’s contributions to the league. “Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage,” Engelbert said in a statement. “I thank Diana for everything that she has brought to the WNBA — her passion, her charisma and, most of all, her relentless dedication to the game.”

“Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage. I thank Diana for everything that she has brought to the WNBA — her passion, her charisma and, most of all, her relentless dedication to the game.”

Now, the league’s biggest young star, Caitlin Clark, has taken to social media to honor Taurasi. Shortly after news of Taurasi’s retirement broke, Clark posted on her Instagram with a one-word caption: “legend.”

Taurasi’s retirement comes at a pivotal moment for the WNBA. The league has seen a surge in popularity and financial stability, driven in part by stars like Taurasi. As the league continues to grow, it will be essential to build on the foundation laid by legends like Taurasi. The next generation of players, inspired by Taurasi’s legacy, will carry forward the torch of women’s basketball in the United States.