Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Alyssa Thomas

Discover the career path of Alyssa Thomas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alyssa Thomas is a professional basketball player currently playing forward for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in 2014, she was immediately traded to the Connecticut Sun. Before her WNBA career, Thomas excelled at the University of Maryland, where she became the program's all-time leader in scoring, rebounding, and double-doubles. She also achieved the distinction of being one of only nine players in NCAA women's basketball history to record six career triple-doubles. In the WNBA, Thomas has achieved fifteen career triple-doubles. She is the only player to record 15+, 15+, 10+ with 0 turnovers in WNBA history.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2011: ACC Rookie of the Year

In 2011, Alyssa Thomas was named the ACC Rookie of the Year and selected to the All-ACC Second Team, leading her team in scoring, rebounds, and steals.

2012: ACC Player of the Year and Championship

In 2012, Alyssa Thomas was named ACC Player of the Year, an AP, WBCA and USBWA First Team All-American, led Maryland Terrapins to the 2012 ACC Championship and earned ACC Tournament MVP honors.

2012: Playoff Berth

In 2012, the Connecticut Sun made its first playoff appearance.

2014: Plays in South Korea

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas played in South Korea for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank and led the league in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

2014: WNBA Draft and Trade

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas was drafted 4th overall by the New York Liberty in the WNBA draft, but was immediately traded to the Connecticut Sun along with Kelsey Bone and a 2015 first-round draft pick in exchange for Tina Charles.

2014: WNBA Debut and All-Rookie Team

In 2014, Alyssa Thomas was drafted and traded to Connecticut Sun. She averaged 10.0 points and 5.1 rebounds, earning a spot on the 2014 WNBA All-Rookie Team.

2015: Plays in South Korea

In 2015, Alyssa Thomas played in South Korea for Bucheon KEB Hana Bank and led the league in scoring and rebounding, averaging 19 points and 11.1 rebounds per game.

2015: Trade Implications

In 2015, as a result of the 2014 trade that sent Alyssa Thomas to Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty utilized the first-round draft pick acquired from the Sun.

2016: Signs in Turkey

In 2016, Alyssa Thomas signed in Turkey for Yakin Dogu.

2017: All-Star Emergence and Playoff Berth

In 2017, Alyssa Thomas emerged as an all-star, scoring a career-high 26 points, being voted into the 2017 WNBA All-Star Game, and leading the Sun to their first playoff appearance since 2012.

2017: Signed with Korean League

In 2017, Alyssa Thomas signed with Yongin Samsung Blueminx of the Korean League.

February 2018: Re-signed with the Sun

In February 2018, Alyssa Thomas re-signed with the Connecticut Sun to a multi-year deal in free agency.

August 9, 2018: Season-High Performance and Playoff Berth

On August 9, 2018, Alyssa Thomas scored a season-high 22 points to help the Sun clinch a playoff spot.

2018: Signed with Czech League

In 2018, Alyssa Thomas signed with USK Praha of the Czech League.

2022: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2022, Alyssa Thomas was named the Defensive Player of the Year of the 2022-23 EuroLeague Women season.

2022: FIBA World Cup Gold Medal

In 2022, Alyssa Thomas won a gold medal for Team USA at the FIBA World Cup.

April 15, 2023: Defensive Player of the Year

On April 15, 2023, Alyssa Thomas was named the Defensive Player of the Year of the 2022-23 EuroLeague Women season.

June 2024: Named to Olympic Team

In June 2024, Alyssa Thomas was named to the US women's Olympic team to compete at the 2024 Summer Olympics in France. Thomas and the United States defeated France 67–66 in the final, earning Thomas her first Olympic gold medal and the United States' eighth consecutive gold medal.

November 12, 2024: Joins Unrivaled League

On November 12, 2024, it was announced that Alyssa Thomas would appear and play in the inaugural 2025 season of Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, playing for the Laces.

2024: Summer Olympics Gold Medal

In 2024, Alyssa Thomas won a gold medal for Team USA at the Summer Olympics.

February 2, 2025: Trade to the Phoenix Mercury

On February 2, 2025, Alyssa Thomas was traded to the Phoenix Mercury as part of a larger four-team trade. The deal was originally reported as Thomas and Tyasha Harris being traded in exchange for Natasha Cloud, Rebecca Allen, and the 12th pick in the 2025 WNBA draft.

2025: Joins Unrivaled League

In 2025, Alyssa Thomas would appear and play in the inaugural season of Unrivaled, the women's 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, playing for the Laces.