Diana Taurasi’s decision to forgo a farewell tour, compelling the Phoenix Mercury to subtly hint at her retirement so fans could be prepared, reflects her true character.

Taurasi has built her career on prioritizing her own desires over external expectations. When she entered the WNBA two decades ago, there were preset standards for how female athletes should present themselves. Ignoring these norms, she engaged in trash talking, played intensely, collected technical fouls, and expressed her emotions openly after losses.

Yet she persisted and excelled. Taurasi didn’t concern herself with getting under the skin of her rivals or upsetting WNBA executives. She defined herself simply as a basketball player.

Anyone expecting her to suddenly change isn’t familiar with her story.

“DT,” Phoenix Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts remarked last weekend, “does it her way.”

And in doing so, she has significantly improved the game.

Before Taurasi walked onto UConn’s campus in 2000, trailblazing women athletes already existed. These were women unafraid to embrace their strength, showcase their prowess, and fiercely compete.

However, Taurasi was among the first to embody all these traits combined. After a disappointing freshman performance in the Final Four that contributed to UConn’s semifinal defeat, she pledged that the Huskies would not lose another tournament game during her tenure.

And they didn’t—winning three NCAA championships in a row.

That competitive spirit transitioned into the WNBA, where she would bulldoze anyone not wearing a Mercury jersey to secure a win. Taurasi despised losing, as highlighted by a damaged door in the visitors’ locker room at Wintrust Arena following Phoenix’s defeat to the Chicago Sky in the 2021 Finals.

Her incredible passes and shooting from anywhere on the court often made other players seem incompetent. Caitlin Clark may be considered a superstar now, but Taurasi was dazzling fans long before she ever picked up a ball. Holding WNBA records for scoring, field goals, and three-pointers, she also tops the list in fouls, turnovers, and technical fouls—an obvious outcome of her aggressive style.

“Playing against DT was incredibly tough,” noted Natasha Cloud, a former Washington Mystics player who joined Phoenix this year. “Every game, I left with bruises. She’s one of the hardest players to defend because she has such a diverse skill set.

“What makes her particularly lethal is her passing ability,” Cloud continued. “You have to be completely sharp when you’re up against her.”

Taurasi has claimed three WNBA championships and received the MVP award in 2009. One of the most appropriate honors came in 2019 when the WNBA made her silhouette the official logo. The league might not publicly acknowledge it, but that figure distinctly represents Taurasi’s shooting stance, form, and signature bun.

“Losing one of our foundational legends from the game will create a noticeable void,” Brittney Griner stated last weekend when reflecting on Taurasi’s impending retirement.

However, Taurasi’s impact extends far beyond her impressive record and competitive nature. Her teammates will attest to her leadership qualities. On and off the court, she possesses a remarkable awareness of the game, along with an encyclopedic understanding of every player and team.

Regardless of her tough image, Taurasi “loves deeply,” remarked Sophie Cunningham, a teammate of hers for six years.

“Dee is truly one-of-a-kind,” Cunningham added. “If people were to get to know her, they would see how genuinely she cares and how much she desires success for those around her.”

This was exemplified when Griner returned to the States after her wrongful detention in Russia; Taurasi was present to ensure she made the journey back to Phoenix safely.

“My entire career has been alongside Dee,” Griner, who has played with Taurasi both in the Mercury and UMMC Ekaterinburg, told YSL News Sports. “I attribute much of my success to her. When she retires, it will be a bittersweet moment.

“But it will also be a celebration because she deserves it,” Griner continued. “She’s one of the most selfless individuals I know, and she dislikes attention for her accomplishments. However, once that day arrives, she will have no choice but to embrace the admiration we all have for her and acknowledge her contributions to the game.”

The victories and the hard work that led to them have consistently overshadowed the glamorous aspects of success for Taurasi. Those who labeled her as a troublemaker failed to understand her determination to maximize every moment on the court, motivated by a desire not to betray the sport that gifted her so much.

“I tend to view it differently—what basketball has given me: A chance to pursue my passion,” Taurasi reflected recently when asked if she’s begun to fully appreciate her impact on the game.

“I’ve been reflecting on the importance of gratitude and appreciation,” she remarked. “It’s essential to pause and truly value the current state of women’s sports and the WNBA. With so much evolving, we must express our gratitude to those who paved the way for us, as well as to the future generations that will follow.”

The quality of the game improved because of Taurasi’s influence. It will keep evolving thanks to her unique approach to playing.

Connect with YSL News Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.