Diana Taurasi changed the WNBA by refusing to change herself

That Diana Taurasi refused a farewell tour, that she forced the Phoenix Mercury to drop hints large and small about her retirement so fans wouldn’t be caught unaware, is perfectly fitting.

Taurasi has made a career out of doing exactly what she wanted and nothing that she didn’t. She didn’t care that, when she came into the WNBA 20 years ago, women athletes were supposed to look a certain way. Act a certain way. They weren’t even supposed to sweat, let alone talk trash, play physical, collect technical fouls like souvenirs and publicly rage at losses.

But Taurasi did all that and then some. She didn’t care if she got under her opponents’ skin or rubbed WNBA executives the wrong way. She was a basketball player, and she’s always stayed true to that.

Anyone who thought she’d change course now must be new here. "DT," Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts said last weekend, "does it her way."

And she leaves the game better for it.




https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/columnist/nancy-armour/2024/09/20/diana-taurasi-wnba-impact/75299157007/