Twenty years in any career, much less at any job, isshould beconsidered remarkable. The level of consistency it takes to be great at something for two decades is nothing short of amazing.
For Diana Taurasi, being a 20-year veteran in the WNBA exemplifies her conditioning, durability, longevity, but most of all, her love for the game of basketball.
With Taurasi officially retiring and walking away from the game after such a long career, it leads us to wonder what moves or post-retirement plans are next for the legendary athlete.
Diana Taurasi Discusses Her Retirement
Taurasi, who averaged 18.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists for her career, has seen a massive level of success in her time in the WNBA. Over her 20 seasons and 565 games played, she won Rookie of the Year, WNBA MVP, was named All-WNBA a whopping 14 times, was voted an All-Star 11 times, and won three WNBA championships while being named the WNBA Finals MVP twice.
Her résumé is one of the greatest in WNBA history. After such a lengthy career, it might take some time to settle into retirement. At her press conference on March 13 at the Phoenix Mercury’s practice facility, she opened up about the next steps, her emotions, and if she’s getting used to it being the end.
‘I don’t think it’s felt real until just now.’
Diana Taurasi gives her final farewell during her retirement press conference, which was fittingly held on the Diana Taurasi Courts named in her honor at the Mercury’s practice facility in Phoenix. pic.twitter.com/t0p4x8CsHn
— Cydney Henderson (@CydHenderson)
“It is sad. I don’t show it. I don’t like to outwardly show my sadness, but I am sad. It’s the game that I’ve played since I was seven. It’s all the things in life that I always loved to do,” Taurasi said.
“I made the announcement last week, but I don’t think it’s felt real until just now. All the great memories that I’ve had here for 20 years have been overwhelming.”
Taurasi has been considered one of the greatest players of all time, as she is the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer and has one of the best résumés in league history.
What’s Next for Taurasi After Retirement
Taurasi was open about her future after basketball, specifying that she wants to really focus on family and being home and present. The 25-minute press conference showed Taurasi at her most candid and poignant.
“I’ve been so addicted to the game of basketball for the last 30 years. It’s all I thought about. It’s all I prepared for. The last couple weeks, I’ve really understood what it really means to be home and be present,” Taurasi said.
“You know, I was home before, but my mind was always thinking about the next game. … Now it’s Leo and Isla [Taurasi’s children], and being present for Penny [Taylor, Taurasi’s wife] and my family and friends that would always make sure I was OK. Now it’s my turn to repay all that to them.”
Taurasi walks away from the game with one of the greatest careers, multiple successful postseason runs, and a legacy as the greatest Mercury player. Whatever she does in retirement, she’s earned the right to do it.
