History of Diana Taurasi in Timeline
Diana Taurasi is a prominent figure in women's basketball, recognized for her tenure with the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Her career highlights her significant contributions to the sport.
June 11, 1982: Birth of Diana Taurasi
Diana Lorena Taurasi was born on June 11, 1982.
1999: Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year
Diana Taurasi was named the Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year in 1999.
July 2000: Taurasi Wins Gold with US U18 Team
Diana Taurasi, as part of the United States women's U18 basketball team, won the gold medal at the FIBA Americas Championship in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, in July 2000. Her outstanding performance, especially against Brazil in the semifinals where she scored 26 points, contributed significantly to the team's success.
2000: Start of UConn Career
Diana Taurasi began her collegiate basketball career at the University of Connecticut in 2000.
2000: National High School Player of the Year
Diana Taurasi was named the Naismith and Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year in 2000.
2000: High School Graduation and Enrollment at UConn
Diana Taurasi graduated from Don Antonio Lugo High School and enrolled at the University of Connecticut in 2000.
2001: Final Four Loss and Vow to Win
After a Final Four loss in 2001, Diana Taurasi vowed that UConn would not lose another tournament game while she was on the team.
2001: Taurasi Earns Bronze in Junior World Championship
Diana Taurasi added to her medal collection in 2001 with a bronze medal as a member of the U.S. junior World Championship team. This achievement further solidified her place as a rising star in the basketball world.
2003: Naismith College Player of the Year and Other Honors
Diana Taurasi received the Naismith College Player of the Year award, the Wade Trophy, and the Honda Sports Award in 2003.
2003: Phoenix Mercury's Struggles
The Phoenix Mercury, Taurasi's future team, had a difficult season in 2003, finishing with an 8-26 record.
May 12, 2004: Taurasi Selected for 2004 Olympics in Athens
On May 12, 2004, Diana Taurasi's exceptional talent earned her a spot on the United States national team for the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. This selection marked a significant milestone in her career, representing her country on the world's biggest sporting stage.
2004: Drafted by Phoenix Mercury
Diana Taurasi was selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2004 WNBA draft.
2004: Break from UConn for WNBA and Olympics
Diana Taurasi took a break from her studies at UConn to begin her WNBA career and participate in the Olympics in 2004.
2004: Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA
Diana Taurasi was part of the USA women's basketball team that won the gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games.
2004: WNBA Debut and Olympic Gold
Diana Taurasi was drafted first overall by the Phoenix Mercury and made her WNBA debut. She also won her first Olympic gold medal with Team USA.
2004: Second Naismith College Player of the Year and Honda Sports Award
Diana Taurasi received her second consecutive Naismith College Player of the Year award and Honda Sports Award in 2004.
2005: Graduation from UConn
Diana Taurasi returned to UConn and earned her bachelor's degree in 2005.
2005: Second All-Star Selection and Ankle Injury
Diana Taurasi was selected to her second All-Star game but battled an ankle injury during the 2005 season. The Mercury missed the playoffs.
2005: Diana Taurasi Begins International Career with Dynamo Moscow
Diana Taurasi's international career began in 2005 when she joined Dynamo Moscow, a Russian basketball team that was once dominant but experiencing a decline. The team's performance in the Euroleague tournament that year saw them eliminated in the quarter-finals by former champions CSKA Samara.
2006: First WNBA Scoring Title
Diana Taurasi won her first WNBA scoring title in 2006.
2006: Taurasi Joins Spartak Moscow
In 2006, Diana Taurasi was recruited by Spartak Moscow, another Russian team, which was undergoing a transformation under new owner Shabtai von Kalmanovich. Kalmanovich aimed to build a powerhouse team and brought in top players, including Lauren Jackson, Sue Bird, and Taurasi, alongside other European players with Olympic experience.
2006: Arrival of Paul Westhead and Cappie Pondexter
Paul Westhead became the Phoenix Mercury's head coach, bringing his up-tempo style, and the team drafted Cappie Pondexter, forming a "Big 3" with Taurasi and Penny Taylor.
2006: Induction into UConn Huskies of Honor
Diana Taurasi was inducted into the inaugural class of the University of Connecticut women's basketball "Huskies of Honor" recognition program in 2006.
2006: Taurasi Helps US Team to Bronze at FIBA World Championship
Diana Taurasi played a crucial role as the second-leading scorer for the U.S. national basketball team at the 2006 FIBA World Championship in São Paulo, Brazil. Despite their best efforts, the team secured the bronze medal in the tournament.
2006: Breaking Scoring Records
Diana Taurasi had a historic season, leading the league in scoring and breaking Katie Smith's record for points in a season. She also set a WNBA record with 121 three-pointers made in a single season.
2007: Spartak Moscow Begins Euroleague Dominance
The Spartak Moscow team, with Diana Taurasi, began a streak of four consecutive Euroleague championships in 2007.
2007: First WNBA Finals Appearance and Championship
Diana Taurasi led the Phoenix Mercury to the WNBA Finals for the first time in her career, where they defeated the Detroit Shock for the championship.
2007: First WNBA Championship
Diana Taurasi won her first WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury in 2007.
2008: Second Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her second Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2008.
2008: Second Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her second consecutive Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2008 Olympic Games.
2008: Taurasi Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi, a key player on the United States national team, participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China. As a starter in all eight games, she played a pivotal role in leading the US team to secure the gold medal, adding another accomplishment to her impressive career.
2009: WNBA MVP, Finals MVP, and Championship
Diana Taurasi achieved a historic season in 2009 by winning the WNBA MVP award, the WNBA Finals MVP award, and her second WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury.
2009: Taurasi Named Euroleague Final Four MVP
In 2009, Diana Taurasi and Spartak Moscow continued their dominance, securing their third consecutive Euroleague championship. Taurasi was recognized for her outstanding performance as the Final Four MVP.
2009: WNBA MVP and Championship
In 2009, Diana Taurasi won both the WNBA MVP award and her second WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury.
2009: Taurasi Invited to USA Basketball Training Camp
In the fall of 2009, Diana Taurasi received an invitation to the USA Basketball women's national team training camp. This invitation highlighted her continued standing as a top player in the country and her potential to contribute to the national team's success in upcoming tournaments.
October 2010: Taurasi Leads US to Victory in FIBA World Championship
Diana Taurasi played a pivotal role in leading the US team to victory in the FIBA World Championship in October 2010. The team, despite limited practice time, dominated the tournament, culminating in a decisive win against the Czech Republic in the championship game. Taurasi's leadership and scoring ability were instrumental in securing the gold medal.
December 24, 2010: Taurasi Faces Doping Allegations
While playing for Fenerbahçe in Turkey on December 24, 2010, Diana Taurasi's lawyer revealed a positive test result for modafinil, a mild stimulant, in an "A" sample of her drug test. This led to her provisional suspension from the Turkish league pending the results of the "B" sample testing.
2010: Second WNBA Scoring Title and FIBA World Cup
Diana Taurasi won her second WNBA scoring title and her first FIBA World Cup with Team USA in 2010.
2010: Taurasi Aims for FIBA World Championship and Olympics
Following the training camp, Diana Taurasi was among the players considered for selection to the national teams participating in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics. These events marked significant opportunities for her to showcase her skills on the international stage.
2010: Taurasi Wins Back-to-Back Euroleague MVP
Diana Taurasi helped Spartak Moscow secure their fourth consecutive Euroleague championship in 2010. Her exceptional performance earned her the title of Final Four MVP for the second year in a row.
2010: Candice Dupree Joins the Mercury
Candice Dupree joined the Phoenix Mercury in 2010, marking a significant addition to the team's roster.
February 16, 2011: Taurasi Cleared of Doping Charges
On February 16, 2011, Diana Taurasi was cleared of all doping allegations after the Turkish laboratory retracted its earlier findings from her urine samples. The retraction allowed her to return to her Istanbul team.
2011: Taurasi Joins Galatasaray
Diana Taurasi joined Galatasaray, another major Istanbul team and Fenerbahçe's rival, for the 2011–2012 season. The team boasted other WNBA stars, including Epiphanny Prince, Sylvia Fowles, Tina Charles, and Ticha Penicheiro.
2011: WNBA Top 15 Player Recognition
Diana Taurasi was voted as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history by fans in 2011.
2011: Third WNBA Scoring Title and WNBA Top 15 Recognition
Diana Taurasi won her third WNBA scoring title and was voted one of the WNBA's Top 15 Players of All Time in 2011.
May 16, 2012: Taurasi Signs with UMMC Ekaterinburg
On May 16, 2012, Diana Taurasi joined UMMC Ekaterinburg, partnering with fellow WNBA star Candace Parker. This move marked the beginning of a dominant period for the team.
2012: Diana Taurasi Wins Third Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA
In 2012, Diana Taurasi was selected as one of 21 finalists for the US Women's Olympic basketball team. She went on to compete in the London Olympics, where she and her teammates emerged victorious, securing the gold medal. This marked Taurasi's third Olympic gold medal.
2012: US Team Prepares for International Competition
The US national team, including Diana Taurasi, engaged in rigorous preparation for the 2010 FIBA World Championship and the 2012 Olympics. The team's training included participating in the 2009 UMMC Ekaterinburg International Invitational in Russia.
2012: Injury-Shortened Season
Diana Taurasi's 2012 season was cut short due to a strained left hip flexor, limiting her to only eight games.
2012: Galatasaray Wins Turkish Cup, Falls Short in League Final and Euroleague
Diana Taurasi's Galatasaray had a mixed season in 2012, winning the Turkish Cup but facing defeat against their rivals, Fenerbahçe, in the League Final and suffering elimination in the Euroleague quarter-finals, again losing a crucial match against Fenerbahçe.
2012: Third Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her third consecutive Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games.
2012: Third Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her third Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2012.
2013: Taurasi Returns to the Mercury
After recovering from injury, Diana Taurasi rejoined the Phoenix Mercury in 2013, averaging over 20 points per game for the sixth time in her career. The Mercury reached the Western Conference Finals but were eliminated by the Minnesota Lynx.
2013: Brittney Griner Drafted by the Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury selected Brittney Griner as the first overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, further strengthening their lineup.
2013: UMMC Ekaterinburg Continues Domestic Dominance
UMMC Ekaterinburg, with Diana Taurasi, continued their dominance in national competitions in the 2013-2014 season, winning both the Russian Championship and the Russian Cup.
2014: Third WNBA Championship
Diana Taurasi won her third WNBA championship with the Phoenix Mercury in 2014.
2014: Taurasi's WNBA and Overseas Earnings
During the 2014 WNBA season, Diana Taurasi earned just under the league maximum of $107,000. In contrast, she commanded a significantly higher salary of approximately $1.5 million while playing overseas.
2014: Taurasi Wins Third WNBA Championship
In 2014, Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury achieved a historic season, setting a record for most regular-season wins and ultimately winning the WNBA championship after sweeping the Chicago Sky. Taurasi also received the WNBA Finals MVP award for the second time.
2014: UMMC Experiences Euroleague Setbacks
In the 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 seasons, while still strong domestically, UMMC Ekaterinburg fell short in the Euroleague competition. They lost in the semifinals in 2014 and the finals in 2015, a game Taurasi missed due to a broken hand.
February 3, 2015: Taurasi Takes a Break from the WNBA
On February 3, 2015, Diana Taurasi made the decision to sit out the 2015 WNBA season. This choice was influenced by a lucrative offer from her Russian Premier League team, UMMC Ekaterinburg, which exceeded her WNBA salary.
2015: Taurasi Leads UMMC to Euroleague Victory and Earns MVP
Diana Taurasi's return to UMMC Ekaterinburg in the 2015-2016 season proved triumphant. She led the team to their third Euroleague title (her sixth personal), earning the MVP award for her exceptional performance.
2015: UMMC Ekaterinburg's Euroleague Defeat and Taurasi's Injury
UMMC Ekaterinburg experienced a significant loss in the Euroleague final against Czech Republic's USK Praha in 2015, a game where Diana Taurasi was sidelined due to a broken hand.
2015: Taurasi Accepts Lucrative Deal to Sit Out WNBA Season
After the 2015 Euroleague loss and injury, UMMC Ekaterinburg offered Diana Taurasi a deal to sit out the 2015 WNBA season for rest. Taurasi's acceptance of the offer, while sparking debate about pay disparities between the WNBA and European leagues, gave her time to recover.
2016: Taurasi Returns to Phoenix Mercury
After taking a year off from the WNBA, Diana Taurasi returned to the Phoenix Mercury in 2016. Her return was highly anticipated following her time off to recover and her continued success in Europe.
2016: Taurasi's Fourth Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA
Diana Taurasi continued her Olympic success in 2016, playing a key role in Team USA's victory in Rio de Janeiro. The team defeated Spain in the final, securing Taurasi's fourth Olympic gold medal.
2016: Taurasi and UMMC Ekaterinburg Continue Dominance
Diana Taurasi continued her successful run with UMMC Ekaterinburg in the 2016–2017 season, playing a key role in the team's eleventh league championship victory.
2016: Taurasi Returns and Makes History
Diana Taurasi returned to the Mercury in 2016, leading them to the playoffs. She became the WNBA's all-time leader in playoff three-pointers made during the first round. Although they reached the semi-finals, they were swept by the Minnesota Lynx.
2016: Fourth Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her fourth Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2016.
2016: Fourth Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal with Team USA at the 2016 Olympic Games.
2016: Taurasi's Continued Success with UMMC
Diana Taurasi's tenure with UMMC Ekaterinburg continued to be marked by success in 2016. Her presence on the team contributed to their ongoing dominance in the league.
May 13, 2017: Diana Taurasi Marries Penny Taylor
On May 13, 2017, Diana Taurasi married her longtime partner and former teammate, Penny Taylor, who was then the Phoenix Mercury Director of Player Development and Performance. The couple had been dating for eight years prior to their wedding.
May 2017: Taurasi Makes WNBA History
In May 2017, Diana Taurasi etched her name in the WNBA history books by becoming the first player to achieve 7,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 1,500 assists. This milestone was achieved during a game against the Indiana Fever.
June 18, 2017: Taurasi Becomes WNBA All-Time Leading Scorer
On June 18, 2017, Diana Taurasi became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer.
December 2017: Taurasi Announces Retirement from European Competition
In a surprising move, Diana Taurasi announced her retirement from European basketball in December 2017. This decision came despite being expected to complete the 2017–2018 season with UMMC Ekaterinburg.
March 1, 2018: Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor Welcome Their First Child
Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor welcomed their first child together, a son, on March 1, 2018.
May 18, 2018: Taurasi Reaches 1,000 Three-Pointers
On May 18, 2018, Diana Taurasi made WNBA history again, becoming the first player to sink 1,000 three-pointers in her career. This milestone occurred during a match against the Dallas Wings.
June 5, 2018: Taurasi Scores 8,000th Point
Diana Taurasi achieved yet another milestone on June 5, 2018, becoming the first WNBA player to surpass 8,000 career points. She reached this mark during a game against the New York Liberty.
July 8, 2018: Taurasi Sets Field Goal Record
On July 8, 2018, Diana Taurasi added another accomplishment to her impressive resume by surpassing Tina Thompson to become the WNBA's all-time leader in field goals made. She set this record during a match against the Connecticut Sun.
August 1, 2018: Taurasi Scores Season-High 37 Points
On August 1, 2018, Diana Taurasi delivered a stellar performance, scoring a season-high 37 points against the Las Vegas Aces.
2018: Taurasi's Last Season with UMMC Ekaterinburg
Diana Taurasi's decision to retire from European competition marked the 2017-2018 season as her last with UMMC Ekaterinburg. The team, accustomed to her leadership and skills, had to prepare for her departure.
2018: Third FIBA World Cup
Diana Taurasi won her third FIBA World Cup with Team USA in 2018.
April 2019: Penny Taylor Joins the Mercury Coaching Staff
In April 2019, Penny Taylor, Diana Taurasi's spouse, joined the Phoenix Mercury's coaching staff as an assistant coach.
September 2019: Taurasi Confirms Return for 2020
In September 2019, Diana Taurasi, while still under contract with the Phoenix Mercury, affirmed her commitment to playing for the team in the upcoming 2020 season.
2019: Taurasi Battles Injuries
Diana Taurasi faced injury challenges throughout the 2019 WNBA season, limiting her playing time to only six games. Her absence impacted the Phoenix Mercury's performance, as they barely secured a playoff spot.
August 23, 2020: Taurasi Honors Kobe Bryant
On August 23, 2020, Diana Taurasi paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Kobe Bryant on his birthday. Wearing jersey number 8 with his last name, she delivered an outstanding performance, scoring a season-high 34 points in a victory against the Washington Mystics.
2020: Fifth Olympic Gold Medal
Diana Taurasi won her fifth Olympic gold medal with Team USA in 2020.
2020: WNBA Season Affected by Pandemic
The 2020 WNBA season faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a delayed start and a shortened 22-game format held in a bubble environment at IMG Academy.
2020: Taurasi Makes History with Fifth Olympic Gold Medal
In 2020, Diana Taurasi cemented her legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time by winning her fifth Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Tokyo. This historic achievement made her and teammate Sue Bird the only basketball players, male or female, to win five Olympic gold medals.
February 2021: Taurasi Re-Signs with the Mercury
In February 2021, Diana Taurasi solidified her commitment to the Phoenix Mercury by signing a two-year contract extension.
October 6, 2021: Taurasi and Taylor's Second Child is Due
October 6, 2021, was the expected due date for Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor's second child.
October 8, 2021: Taurasi Plays Crucial Game Before Birth of Daughter
On October 8, 2021, Diana Taurasi played in a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals. With her wife Penny expecting their second child, Taurasi helped secure a win for the Phoenix Mercury and a place in the finals. In her post-game interview, she famously told Taylor to "hold it in" as she was on her way back to Phoenix.
October 9, 2021: Taurasi Welcomes Second Child
Early in the morning on October 9, 2021, just hours after playing in a crucial playoff game, Diana Taurasi was present for the birth of her second child, a daughter, with wife Penny Taylor.
2021: Taurasi Overcomes Injury for Playoff Success
Diana Taurasi battled through an ankle and foot injury during the 2021 season, even sitting out the first single-elimination playoff game. However, she returned for the second round and showcased her resilience, making history as the oldest player to score over 30 points in a playoff game. Taurasi's leadership and determination propelled the Mercury to the semi-finals, where they ultimately lost to the Las Vegas Aces.
2021: WNBA's Greatest Player Recognition
Diana Taurasi was selected as the WNBA's greatest player of all time by fans in 2021.
August 2023: Taurasi Reaches 10,000 Career Points
In a remarkable feat, Diana Taurasi became the first player in WNBA history to achieve 10,000 career points in August 2023, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.