PHOENIX — Diana Taurasi will be remembered not only for her time with the Phoenix Mercury, but also as one of the greatest athletes in Arizona sports history.
September 17, 2024; Los Angeles, California, United States; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) shoots the ball against LA Sparks forward Dearica Hamby (5) and forward Azura Stevens (23) before the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Advertisement
The Mercury legend and longtime face of the WNBA will be inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026, honoring a career that fused loyalty to the state and national and international dominance. Other athletes who will be honored are Michael Bates, Frank Busch, Craig Girard, JJ Hardy, Michael Pantalione and George Young.
Taurasi spent her entire 20-year career in Phoenix after being drafted No. 1 in the 2004 WNBA draft out of UConn. Her resume speaks for itself: three WNBA championships, a league MVP award, 14 All-WNBA selections and six Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
But it’s not just her numbers that have made her a desert icon.
Diana Taurasi celebrates a 3-point basket during a 2007 WNBA Finals game against the Detroit Shock. The Phoenix Mercury won the series and Taurasi won her first WNBA championship. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Advertisement
Brought in to stabilize a young franchise and league, Taurasi helped transform Phoenix into one of the premier destinations for women’s basketball. Despite roster rebuilds and coaching changes, his constant presence ensured continuity for the Mercury and helped create one of the largest and most passionate fan bases in the sport.
Beyond the desert, Taurasi has always been known for its swagger and forward-thinking side, redefining how outsiders viewed the WNBA. She was never apologetic and her success overseas helped elevate women’s basketball globally, while her outspoken personality made her one of the sport’s most polarizing figures.
August 3, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, United States; Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi (3) celebrates her 10,000 career point milestone with teammates after the game against the Atlanta Dream at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Advertisement
The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame celebrates those whose influence transcended statistics, wins and losses, focusing instead on the lasting impact they had in the Valley – something Taurasi more than accomplished. Her career has grown alongside the rapid growth of women’s sport, bringing attention to a game often overshadowed by more traditional offerings.
Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi shows off her three WNBA championship rings during season opening ceremonies June 5, 2015, at the US Airways Center in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Taurasi made history in Arizona, and she will now be considered one of the biggest sports stars of all time.
Advertisement
