Diana Taurasi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Diana Taurasi

Taurasi in 2024
Shooting guard / Point guard
Personal information
Born	(1982-06-11) June 11, 1982 (age 43) Glendale, California, U.S.
High school	Don Antonio Lugo (Chino, California)
Listed height	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight	163 lb (74 kg)
Career information
College	UConn (2000–2004)
NBA Draft	2004 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Phoenix Mercury
Pro career	2004–2024
Career history
2004–2024	Phoenix Mercury
2005–2006	Dynamo Moscow
2006–2010	Spartak Moscow
2010–2011	Fenerbahçe
2011–2012	Galatasaray Medical Park
2012–2017	UMMC Ekaterinburg
Career highlights and awards
3× WNBA champion (2007, 2009, 2014) 2× WNBA Finals MVP (2009, 2014) WNBA MVP (2009) 11× WNBA All-Star (2005–2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2024) 10× All-WNBA First Team (2004, 2006–2011, 2013, 2014, 2018) 4× All-WNBA Second Team (2005, 2016, 2017, 2020) WNBA Rookie of the Year (2004) 5× WNBA scoring champion (2006, 2008–2011) WNBA assists leader (2014) 6× WNBA Peak Performer (2006, 2007, 2009–2011, 2014) WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011) WNBA 20th Anniversary Team (2016) WNBA 25th Anniversary Team (2021) 6× EuroLeague champion (2007–2010, 2013, 2016) 7× Russian National League champion (2007, 2008, 2013–2017) 3× Russian Cup winner (2013–2014, 2017) 3× Russian League Player of the Year (2007, 2008, 2009) Turkish National League champion (2011) Turkish Cup winner (2012) 3× NCAA champion (2002–2004) 2× NCAA Tournament MOP (2003, 2004) Wade Trophy (2003) 2× Honda Sports Award (2003, 2004) 2× Naismith College Player of the Year (2003, 2004) USBWA Women's National Player of the Year (2003) AP College Player of the Year (2003) 2× Nancy Lieberman Award (2003, 2004) 2× Big East Player of the Year (2003, 2004) 2x First-team All-American – AP (2003, 2004) 3x Kodak All-American (2002–2004) 2x All-American –USBWA (2003, 2004) Second-team All-American – AP (2002) 3x First-team All-Big East (2002–2004) Big East tournament MOP (2001) Big East All-Freshman Team (2001) Naismith Prep Player of the Year (2000) 4× USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2006, 2010, 2012, 2016)
Career WNBA statistics
Points	10,646 (18.8 ppg)
Rebounds	2,210 (3.9 rpg)
Assists	2,394 (4.2 apg)
Medals Women's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 2004 Athens Team Gold 2008 Beijing Team Gold 2012 London Team Gold 2016 Rio de Janeiro Team Gold 2020 Tokyo Team Gold 2024 Paris Team World Championship Gold 2010 Czech Republic Gold 2014 Turkey Gold 2018 Spain Bronze 2006 Brazil FIBA Under-19 World Cup Bronze 2001 Czech Republic Team FIBA Under-18 Americas Championship Gold 2000 Argentina Team

Diana Lorena Taurasi (born June 11, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player. She played for 20 seasons in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her entire career was with the Phoenix Mercury. Many people think Taurasi is one of the best women's basketball players ever.

She became famous playing college basketball at the University of Connecticut. There, she led her team to win three NCAA championships in a row. The Phoenix Mercury picked Taurasi first in the 2004 WNBA draft. She was named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2004.

Taurasi won three WNBA championships (in 2007, 2009, and 2014). She also earned one WNBA MVP Award (2009) and two WNBA Finals MVP Awards (2009 and 2014). She led the league in scoring five times. Taurasi was chosen for 10 WNBA All-Star teams. She was also on 14 All-WNBA teams, with 10 first-team selections.

In 2011, fans voted her one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time. The league also named her to its 20th and 25th anniversary teams. These were the WNBA Top 20@20 in 2016 and The W25 in 2021. In 2021, fans picked her as the league's greatest player ever. On June 18, 2017, Taurasi became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer.

As part of the U.S. national team, she won six Olympic gold medals (from 2004 to 2024). She also won three FIBA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2018). Her ability to score in important moments earned her the nickname "White Mamba" from Kobe Bryant. Taurasi is one of only 11 women to win an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup, and a WNBA Championship. She retired from basketball in February 2025.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Diana Taurasi grew up in Chino, California. Her father, Mario, was from Argentina and played professional soccer in Italy. Her mother, Liliana, is also Argentine. Diana's parents moved from Argentina to the United States before she was born. She has an older sister named Jessika.

Taurasi went to Don Antonio Lugo High School and finished in 2000. In high school, she was named the best player in Southern California. She was also recognized as the top high school player in the country in 2000. Taurasi scored 3,047 points in her high school career. This placed her fourth in state history. She also played in the 2000 Women's Basketball Coaches Association#WBCA High School All-America Game. She scored 12 points and was named the game's MVP.

College Basketball Success

Taurasi (right) with President George W. Bush at a White House ceremony for the national champion 2002–03 Connecticut Huskies

After a great high school career, Taurasi went to the University of Connecticut (UConn). She started playing for the women's basketball team in the 2000–2001 season. She mostly played as a point guard and shooting guard. After a tough loss in 2001, Taurasi promised her team would not lose another tournament game. They then won three national championships in a row! Her coach, Geno Auriemma, often said, "We have Diana, and you don't," showing how confident he was in her.

Taurasi also won many individual awards at UConn. These included the 2003 and 2004 Naismith College Player of the Year awards. She averaged 15.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game in college. During her time at UConn, her team won 139 games and lost only eight.

In 2005, after playing in the WNBA and Olympics, Taurasi went back to UConn. She earned her bachelor's degree. She was the first person in her family to graduate from college. Taurasi said getting her degree meant as much as any championship or gold medal. In 2006, she was one of the first players honored in the University of Connecticut's "Huskies of Honor" program.

WNBA Career Highlights

Starting Strong in the WNBA (2004–2006)

The Phoenix Mercury picked Taurasi first in the 2004 WNBA draft. The Mercury had a tough season in 2003, winning only 8 games. In her first WNBA game, Taurasi scored 22 points. For her first season, she averaged 17.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game. Even though the Mercury didn't make the playoffs, Taurasi was named to the All-Star team and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.

In 2005, Taurasi continued to play well, even with an ankle injury. She was an All-Star again. In 2006, a new coach, Paul Westhead, joined the Mercury. He brought a fast-paced style of play. Taurasi had an amazing season, leading the league in scoring. She broke the record for most points in a season with 741 points. She also set a record with 121 three-pointers in one season.

Winning WNBA Championships (2007–2009)

In 2007, Taurasi made it to the WNBA playoffs for the first time. The Mercury won their first WNBA title that year. With this win, Taurasi became only the seventh player to win an NCAA title, a WNBA title, and an Olympic gold medal.

In 2009, Taurasi was named the WNBA MVP. She then led the Phoenix Mercury to their second WNBA championship in three years. They beat the Indiana Fever, and Taurasi was named the WNBA Finals MVP. She was only the second player to win the scoring title, season MVP, WNBA Championship, and Finals MVP all in the same year.

Injuries and Comebacks (2010–2013)

Taurasi in 2013

In 2011, fans voted Taurasi one of the Top 15 players in the WNBA's 15-year history. In 2012, Taurasi played only eight games because of a hip injury. The Mercury had a tough season without her.

In 2013, Taurasi came back healthy. She played 32 games and averaged over 20 points per game. The Mercury made it to the conference finals but lost to the Minnesota Lynx.

Third WNBA Championship (2014)

By 2014, Taurasi was one of the top players in WNBA history for points and assists. With strong teammates like Candice Dupree and Brittney Griner, the Phoenix Mercury had an amazing season. They won 29 games and lost only 5, setting a new record for most wins in a regular season. In the playoffs, they swept the Chicago Sky to win Taurasi her third championship. She also won the WNBA Finals MVP award for the second time.

Taking a Break and Returning (2015–2016)

On February 3, 2015, Taurasi announced she would not play in the 2015 WNBA season. Her team in Russia, UMMC Ekaterinburg, offered to pay her more than her WNBA salary to rest. She earned much more playing overseas than in the WNBA.

Taurasi returned to the Mercury for the 2016 WNBA season. She helped the team make the playoffs. The Mercury won their first two playoff games, with Taurasi scoring important points. She also broke the record for most career three-pointers in the playoffs. However, they lost to the Minnesota Lynx in the semi-finals.

Becoming the All-Time Leading Scorer (2017)

Taurasi became the WNBA's all-time highest scorer in 2017

In May 2017, Taurasi signed a new contract with the Mercury. Later that month, she became the first player in WNBA history to reach 7,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 1,500 assists. On June 18, 2017, Taurasi became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, passing Tina Thompson's record. She was also chosen for her eighth All-Star game. The Mercury made it to the semi-finals but lost to the Los Angeles Sparks.

More Records and Playoff Runs (2018)

In the first game of the 2018 season, Taurasi became the first WNBA player to make 1,000 three-pointers. On June 5, 2018, she was the first player to score 8,000 points. On July 8, 2018, Taurasi became the league's all-time leader in field goals made. She also made her ninth All-Star appearance. The Mercury had another strong season and made it to the semi-finals for the third year in a row. They had a tough series against the Seattle Storm, losing in the final game.

Injuries and the COVID-19 Season (2019–2020)

Taurasi in 2019

In 2019, Taurasi started the season injured after back surgery. A hamstring injury limited her to only six games. Without her, the Mercury barely made the playoffs and were eliminated in the first round. Taurasi said she planned to play in 2020.

In 2020, the WNBA season was shorter and played in a "bubble" due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Taurasi came back healthy and played most of the games. On August 23, 2020, she scored a season-high 34 points. She wore a special jersey honoring the late Kobe Bryant on his birthday. The Mercury made the playoffs but were eliminated in the second round.

Final Seasons and Retirement (2021–2025)

In February 2021, Taurasi signed a new two-year deal with the Mercury. She had an ankle injury late in the 2021 season. She returned for the playoffs and led her team to the WNBA Finals. In one playoff game, at age 39, she became the oldest player to score over 30 points in a WNBA playoff game.

In August 2023, Taurasi made history again. She became the first player in WNBA history to score 10,000 career points.

Diana Taurasi officially retired from professional basketball in February 2025, after a remarkable 20-year career.

Playing Overseas

Playing in Russia (2005–2010)

Taurasi started playing basketball internationally in 2005 for Dynamo Moscow in Russia. In 2006, she joined Spartak Moscow. This team went on to win four EuroLeague championships in a row from 2007 to 2010. Taurasi was named the Final Four MVP in 2009 and 2010.

Playing in Turkey (2010–2012)

In 2010, Taurasi played for the Turkish team Fenerbahçe. She helped them win the national league. In the 2011–2012 season, Taurasi played for Galatasaray, another big team in Turkey. The team won the Turkish Cup.

Playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg (2012–2017)

In May 2012, Taurasi signed with UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia. This team was very strong, winning the EuroLeague in 2012–13, along with Russian Championships and the Russian Cup. They continued to win national titles. In 2015, UMMC offered Taurasi a deal to skip the WNBA season to rest. She accepted, which led to discussions about how much women basketball players earn in different leagues around the world.

Taurasi returned to UMMC for the 2015–2016 season. She led the team to another EuroLeague title, her sixth personal one. She also won the MVP award for that EuroLeague season. She played for UMMC again in 2016–2017, helping them win their eleventh league championship. In December 2017, Taurasi announced she would no longer play in European competitions.

National Team Career

Taurasi was part of the U.S. women's U18 team that won a gold medal in 2000. She also earned a bronze medal with the U.S. junior World Championship team in 2001.

On May 12, 2004, Taurasi was chosen to play in the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. She helped Team USA win the gold medal. She also helped the U.S. team win a bronze medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship. At the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, China, she started every game and helped the U.S. win another gold medal.

Taurasi was a key player for the U.S. national team at the 2010 FIBA World Championships. Even with limited practice time, the team won the championship and a gold medal. Taurasi led the team in scoring.

Taurasi was chosen to represent the United States at the 2012 Summer Olympics. She won her third gold medal as the U.S. defeated France. She also played at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, earning her fourth gold medal. Taurasi was a vital member of the gold medal-winning 2020 U.S. women's Olympic team in Tokyo, earning her a record fifth gold medal. She and Sue Bird are the only two Olympic basketball players to win five Olympic gold medals. At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Taurasi won another Olympic gold. This made her the only basketball player with six Olympic gold medals. She also joined a very small group of Olympians who have won six gold medals in the same event.

Life Off the Court

Personal Life

Taurasi is married to her former teammate, Penny Taylor. Taylor used to be a director for the Phoenix Mercury. After dating for eight years, Taurasi and Taylor got married on May 13, 2017. Taurasi shared that it was "the most amazing and beautiful day of our lives." On March 1, 2018, Taylor gave birth to their son.

Taylor was expecting their second child in October 2021. After a playoff game, Taurasi had a message for Taylor, saying, "Hold it in babe, I'm coming." Taurasi flew from Las Vegas to Phoenix and arrived just in time to see Taylor give birth to their daughter, Isla, on October 9, 2021.

Endorsements

Taurasi has signed endorsement deals with several big companies. She has worked with Nike, BodyArmor sports drink, Coca-Cola, and State Farm. She also has deals with Waymo, DeloitteUS, Twelvebooks, Togetherx, Cox Communications, and JBL.

Career Statistics

College

WNBA

Regular season

Playoffs

Euroleague

Film and Media

See also

In Spanish: Diana Taurasi para niños

• UConn Huskies women's basketball
• 2003–04 Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team
• List of athletes with the most appearances at Olympic Games
• List of Connecticut women's basketball players with 1000 points
• List of Connecticut Huskies women's basketball players with 500 assists
• List of WNBA career scoring leaders
• List of WNBA career assists leaders
• List of Women's National Basketball Association season scoring leaders