“I have a resume. It’s not up to me to grade it,” said Diana Taurasi. Well, is there a grade above A+? Because if there is, DT’s resume belongs in that category. Three WNBA titles, three NCAA titles, six Olympic gold medals—what more can you even add to that? Now, after two decades of absolute dominance, the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer (10,646) is finally hanging up her jersey.

In an exclusive conversation with TIME, Taurasi made it official, “Mentally and physically, I’m just full,” she said. “That’s probably the best way I can describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.” After 20 years with the Mercury—the only WNBA team she’s ever known—it’s a wrap. We saw this coming, sure, but that doesn’t make it any less emotional.

In DT’s final game on September 25, 2024, she played 29 minutes, putting up 10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. But despite her efforts, the Mercury fell short. And then came the moment, Footprint Center, packed, knowing this might be the last dance, erupted with chants of “one more year.” 

Taurasi, visibly emotional, responded, “If this is the last time, it felt like the first time.” And then came the silence. No comments on the massive Satou Sabally trade. Nothing about free agency. Just a whole lot of waiting. 

Also, if you’ve followed Dee’s career, you know she’s always taken a few months to fine-tune her game before training camp. But this time, as she put it, “I just didn’t have it in me.” And just like that, the GOAT realised the time has come and she walked away.

And, obviously, the basketball world wasted no time showing love. When the best of the next generation and the whole community take a moment to honor you, you know you’ve done something right.

A tribute fit for a legend like Diana Taurasi

Just days before Taurasi made it official, Paige Bueckers passed her on UConn’s all-time scoring list. And here fellow Husky retired, the UConn royalty had just two yet powerful words for another UConn royalty. “Thank you 🐐,” she wrote on her Instagram story. 

Caitlin Clark, another legend in the making, echoed the same sentiment, writing just one word: “Legend.” Clark may not achieve Taurasi’s trifecta of NCAA, WNBA, and Olympic gold, but we just know the two out of three is looking like a lock.

Rebecca Lobo, another UConn legend, summed it up best,  “Her legacy in the game is unmatched.” A statement of fact. And maybe, just maybe, we could see Taurasi follow Lobo’s path into broadcasting? Time will tell. 

Then it was Kayla McBride. No words. Just a flood of emotional emojis that spoke for all of us. “🥹🥹🥹🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹,” she expressed on her social media. 

Another one was DeWanna Bonner, who shared a decade with Taurasi in Phoenix and won two championships alongside her, kept it simple, “🐐❤️.” The two were part of a legendary trio with Brittney Griner, setting a WNBA record in 2018 with 1,967 combined points in a single season.

Aaliyah Edwards, another UConn product, added, “🙏🐐.” The two had their on-court battles—most notably when Edwards accidentally hit Taurasi in the face during a game. DT, being DT, responded with fire. But off the court, they have nothing but respect for each other. 

And then there was Lexie Hull, who once played against Taurasi in an exhibition game. She had already posted about that moment years ago, writing, “Just trying to be like #12.” This time, resharing the post, she added, “A legendary career @dianataurasi. Thankful for role models like you ❤️.”

Angel Reese joined in, posting a clip of Taurasi hugging her postgame and calling her “LEGEND. GOAT. WINNER. Thank you, DT.” That moment was a reminder of how Taurasi always made sure to uplift the next generation.

This outpouring of love isn’t just about the buckets, the championships, or the records. It’s about Diana Taurasi’s heart, her fire, and the way she passed down her wisdom. That’s why, as this chapter closes, the basketball world isn’t just celebrating her career—they’re celebrating HER.