Diana Taurasi has built an extraordinary career as the WNBA’s arguable GOAT, winning almost everything there is to achieve on the court. Beyond basketball, however, Taurasi thrives as a devoted mother and wife. The 11-time All-Star’s personal life draws significant attention, with her loving family often in the spotlight due to her legendary status in women’s basketball.
Who Is Diana Taurasi’s Wife?
Taurasi has been married to Penny Taylor since May 13, 2017. The couple shares two children: son Leo Michael Taurasi-Taylor, born March 1, 2018, and daughter Isla Taurasi-Taylor, born October 9, 2021. Previously, Taylor was married to Brazilian volleyball player Rodrigo Rodrigues Gil from 2005 to 2008.
Taylor was born on May 24, 1981, in Melbourne, Australia, to parents Michael Taylor and Denna Noble, who were English. She grew up alongside three siblings: older sister Heather, younger brother Phillip, and step-sister Abbey.
Taylor’s basketball journey began with the Belgrave South Red Devils at age four. She later played for the Australian Institute of Sport, capturing the WNBL championship in 1999. Her dominance continued with the Dandenong Rangers, where she earned back-to-back WNBL MVP awards in 2001 and 2002.
Her stellar play caught the attention of WNBA scouts, leading the Cleveland Rockers to select her 11th overall in the 2001 draft. After Cleveland folded, the Mercury claimed Taylor first in the 2004 dispersal draft. She spent 10 remarkable seasons in Phoenix, helping the team capture three championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014.
Taylor retired in 2016 after 13 seasons, with injuries and her desire to transition into coaching and family life influencing her decision. The Mercury honored her legacy by retiring her jersey number 13 on July 9, 2017.
On the international stage, Taylor achieved remarkable success. She earned FIBA World Championship MVP honors in 2006 while helping Australia secure two Olympic silver medals in 2004 and 2008. The team also claimed World Championship bronze medals in 2002 and 2014 during her tenure.
Taylor’s contributions to basketball earned recognition through her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2023.
Following her playing career, Taylor joined the Mercury as Director of Player Development and Performance in 2017. She stepped away after her son’s birth but returned as an assistant coach in April 2019, working under Sandy Brondello to develop players and game strategies. She again left her coaching duties following her daughter’s birth.
How Did Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor Meet?
Taurasi and Taylor’s story began in 2004 when they became teammates on the Phoenix Mercury. Taylor was already an established Australian forward, while Taurasi entered the league as a highly touted rookie ready to make her mark.
Their relationship evolved from teammates to something deeper over the years. By 2010, they had transitioned from professional colleagues to romantic partners. During this period, Taylor had married and divorced her first husband.
On May 13, 2017, the couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony in Phoenix, Arizona. Their family expanded with Leo’s birth in 2018, followed by Isla’s arrival three years later, completing their close-knit family unit.
