“To be able to wear one jersey for 20 years and stay in the same city through all the ups and the downs, that to me is my biggest accomplishment.” Just as every sunrise must eventually give way to sunset, so too do the careers of sporting legends. Diana Taurasi, a towering figure in women’s basketball, is experiencing this journey now. The Phoenix Mercury legend is likely wrapping up what could be her final professional season in a career that has spanned an impressive 20 years.

Throughout her tenure, Taurasi has solidified her status as the Mercury’s greatest of all time, guiding the team to their three sole championships. But Diana Taurasi’s journey with the Mercury didn’t just happen overnight. It was built on a foundation of stellar achievements. Before she became a Phoenix Mercury icon, the 7x Olympic gold medalist dazzled with exceptional performances throughout her college career, laying the groundwork for her future success. Let’s reminisce her college wonders!

Diana Taurasi: The Unstoppable Force behind UConn’s dynasty

It was hardly a shock when the Phoenix Mercury chose Diana Taurasi as the first overall pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft. The 21-year-old guard had just wrapped up an impressive four-year stint with the UConn Huskies. During her college career, Taurasi put up impressive numbers, averaging 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

She joined the UConn Huskies in 2000, and it didn’t take long for her to make an impact. Under the guidance of the legendary coach Geno Auriemma, Taurasi quickly became a key player for the team. Her freshman year was a glimpse of what was to come, as she showcased her scoring ability, court vision, and defensive prowess. The UConn fresher scored 10.9 points along with 3.3 assists and made 1.1 steals per game. However, she couldn’t guide her team to victory in her first season.

After a tough loss in the final four in 2001, Taurasi made a bold statement: “We will not lose another tournament game while I’m wearing this uniform.” At the time, it was hard to imagine that the Big East Women’s Basketball Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player of 2001 would truly keep that promise. But she kept, and fulfilled it with undeniable style and grace.

Taurasi guided the UConn Huskies to three consecutive NCAA championships in 2002, 2003, and 2004 while leading her team to 18 straight tournament victories. As they approached the final championship, her coach, Geno Auriemma, confidently stated, “We have Diana, and you don’t,” highlighting ‘White Mamba’s’ pivotal role in their success. It was in 2003 when she finished the season with a career high averaging 17.9 points per game.

Well, why not if DT made history at UConn by becoming the first player to achieve 2,000 points, 600 assists, and 600 rebounds. This blend of scoring, playmaking, and rebounding skills distinguished her from her peers and solidified her legendary status. But these stats only scratch the surface. Taurasi’s knack for clutch performances and her leadership, both on and off the court, were equally crucial to the Huskies’ success. Her college accolades and achievements paint a fuller picture.

Diana Taurasi’s college accolades: A Legacy of Excellence and Heroism at UConn

As highlighted, Diana Taurasi led the Huskies to three championships, and during two of those title-winning seasons—2003 and 2004—she was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. But that’s just the beginning. Taurasi also snagged several other prestigious awards, including the Naismith College Player of the Year in both 2003 and 2004.

In 2003, she also won the Wade Trophy and the Honda Sports Award, and was named the Associated Press Player of the Year. Beyond the national recognition, she achieved legendary status among Connecticut fans. For instance, state senator Thomas Gaffey nominated her to join Prudence Crandall as a heroine of the state.

During her time, the team achieved an outstanding record of 139 wins and only 8 losses. This era not only established her as a game-changing player but also laid a solid groundwork for her successful professional career. In 2006, the college proudly included her in the first-ever class inducted into the University of Connecticut women’s basketball “Huskies of Honor” program.

It was clear that Diana Taurasi was destined to shine in the world of basketball once she hit the WNBA stage. She made an undeniable impact, earning Finals MVP honors in both 2009 and 2014. A decades later, the 2024 season is speculated to be her final year as a professional,