Let’s go back to the 2009 WNBA Finals. The Phoenix Mercury were taking on the Indiana Fever, hoping to make it two titles in three years. But as regular season MVP Diana Taurasi walked onto the court, something caught everyone’s attention. The Phoenix guard was wearing an arm sleeve. Was she injured? What had happened? But none of that seemed to affect her because, as she averaged 20.4 points and 6.8 rebounds per game to help overcome a 1-2 series deficit and bring another title home, she also took the Finals MVP honors. But as it so happens, she wasn’t just battling Indiana. She was battling a completely different opponent, too.

“I was just like, whatever it takes for me not to just think about my eczema,” Taurasi said while explaining why she wore an arm sleeve. The 42-year-old has been fighting eczema, a condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and bumpy. As a result, it weakens the skin’s barrier function, making for very little moisture retention. Taurasi has had moderate-to-severe eczema since her college days at UConn, and she recently opened up about her battle through the years.

In an appearance on the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast, the Mercury legend was in conversation with Howard Megdal, who asked her, “I know that eventually, we will get to a time when you decide to move on. In the meantime, you are doing a lot to use your platform. You talked about eczema… what is it that makes a difference in terms of how you wanna use that platform?”

“I think once you get to a certain point in your career, you start understanding the things that really matter to you and things that might affect you personally, that affect millions of people in different ways. Eczema is just one of those little things that really affected my life every single day,” the 42-year-old said.

“People who have eczema know how hard it is to overcome every day, to make sure you show up and be the best person, teammate, family member… So, eczema’s just been one of those little battles that I’ve had to internally fight.” While Taurasi was out there on the biggest stages, like the WNBA Finals, pushing herself to the max, she was simultaneously dealing with discomfort, vulnerability, and, at times, self-consciousness. 

Now, eczema isn’t something most people talk about much, but it affects between 2% to 10% of adults in the United States. For the star hooper, it wasn’t just the occasional flare-up—this condition would really get in her way. She has moderate-to-severe eczema, which causes her skin to break out in rashes, blisters, and constant itchiness. Back in college, during her time at UConn, it actually got worse due to the change in weather, making it even more challenging to keep under control.

However, this time, the 3× WNBA champion told the host Howard Megdal on Locked On Women’s Basketball that she has changed her approach and is dealing better as she is growing old. When asked if she’s found a way to handle it better compared to the early days of her career, Diana Taurasi revealed, “For sure. As you get older, you start educating yourself a little more.

“Obviously, partnerting with Regeneron [Pharmaceuticals] and Sanofi… Eczema is one of those things where you use creams, lotions, but you never feel settled. After putting Dupixent into my daily use of things that make my everyday life a little bit easier, it’s really changed the way I approach everything.” Dupixent is a prescription medicine that can treat eczema in adults and children. How does it work? It blocks the key sources of inflammation (interleukin 4 and interleukin 13) that can cause eczema.

Since the 42-year-old started using it, she’s felt a considerable improvement in limiting the symptoms. But let’s not forget that despite dealing with this every single day, the Mercury guard never let eczema define her career. She fought through the physical discomfort, applying anything that might offer some relief. 

Now, she’s using her platform to help others going through the same condition. Listening to her, Megdal couldn’t help but ask, “When your reps come to you, what are the decision points for you about what to get involved with?” Taurasi’s answer clarified that her No. 1 priority is doing whatever she can to help others. “I think it has to be something that’s real and genuine,” she said.

“Obviously, there’s always the monetary component, especially in the world of basketball. But I think this is something that actually makes my life better. And, hopefully, it makes other people who are battling with moderate-to-severe eczema… if it can make their life just a little bit easier, I think it’s a win.” 

That said, her battle against eczema hasn’t stopped her from making history, as she bagged three WNBA championships and six Olympic gold medals and is the oldest player in either the NBA or WNBA to score 40 points in a game. But now, it seems like the end might be near.

Diana Taurasi’s potential retirement looms large

They say all good things come to an end. The Mercury veteran’s latest comments about possibly stepping away from the game have fans buzzing. She didn’t make a formal retirement announcement after the Phoenix Mercury’s final regular season game, but she certainly gave us a hint. As the crowd chanted, “One more year,” the athlete responded with, “If it is the last time, it felt like the first time.”

It was almost like she was saying goodbye without saying goodbye. Even after the game ended, the fans gave her a standing ovation. She addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support throughout her career. “For everyone who played before this league is where it is now — we’re thankful for you guys, and we’re thankful for the next generation,” she said.

So, is Diana retiring? Well, yes, if the rumors have it. But whether or not this was her last season, the 6x Olympian has had an unforgettable impact. She is leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations.