Older basketball players like Lebron James get recognized for continuing to play at an old age. Diana Taurasi has them beat: She just retired from the WNBA at age 42.

Throughout Taurasi’s career, she has had many accomplishments, like being a six-time Olympic gold medalist, having the most three-pointers in WNBA history, being fourth all-time in assists, and being the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer. 

Taurasi entered the WNBA in the 2004 draft, being the first pick after playing at UConn for college.

The impact that Taurasi has made on the WNBA cannot be overstated. She entered the WNBA only eight years after it was founded, and she has played in 20 seasons, has been an eleven-time WNBA All-Star, and a two-time WNBA Finals MVP. 

Aside from her accomplishments, she has also led the Phoenix Mercury team to three championships, playing alongside other women’s basketball legends like Sue Bird and Maya Moore.

Many pros have acknowledged her talent. Kobe Bryant gave her the nickname “White Mamba,” in reference to his own nickname “Black Mamba.”

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said Taurasi was a key player for the U.S. women’s Olympic team and had a big impact on the game.

“We got Diana – and you don’t forget a legend like that,” Taurasi said.

Her longtime importance to the game has been recognized by older and younger players alike.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever describes Taurasi’s impact on the game in one word: “legend.” Older players like Bird have described Taurasi as one of the greatest of all-time players in women’s basketball.

“You can talk about all these great names. The difference is the way she makes her teammates feel. The way she raises the level of her teams. That, to me, is the separator,” Bird said. 

Getting recognized by these big-time names shows her impact and effect on the game. 

Even though the WNBA is currently growing at a rapid pace along with other women’s sports, it wouldn’t have reached this point without players like Taurasi.