Diana Taurasi's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Diana Taurasi. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Diana Taurasi is an American-Argentine former professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest in women's basketball history. Spending her entire 20-season WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury, she holds the league's all-time scoring record. Taurasi is also the most decorated Olympic athlete in any team sport, having won six Olympic gold medals with the United States women's national basketball team. Her impact on the WNBA is immense, credited with significantly boosting the league's visibility and overall standard of play.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1999: Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year

In 1999, Diana Taurasi was recognized as Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year.

2000: High School Accolades

In 2000, Diana Taurasi graduated from Don Antonio Lugo High School and received the Cheryl Miller Award and was named Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year, Naismith and Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year. She also participated in the 2000 WBCA High School All-America Game, earning MVP honors.

2003: College Player of the Year Awards

In 2003, Diana Taurasi received the Naismith College Player of the Year award, the Wade Trophy, the Honda Sports Award, and the Associated Press Player of the Year award.

2004: WNBA Debut and Rookie of the Year Award

In 2004, Diana Taurasi made her WNBA debut, scoring 22 points for the Phoenix Mercury. Despite the team not making the playoffs, she was named to the Western Conference All-Star team and won the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award.

2004: Naismith College Player of the Year Award

In 2004, Diana Taurasi received the Naismith College Player of the Year and the Honda Sports Award.

2004: Drafted into WNBA and Quick Success

In 2004, Diana Taurasi was selected first overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA draft and quickly became the league's best scorer. She gained a reputation for her clutch scoring ability and competitiveness, earning the nickname "White Mamba".

2005: Second All-Star Year

In 2005, Diana Taurasi averaged 16.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while battling an ankle injury, making her an All-Star for the second straight year.

2006: Record-Breaking Season and Scoring Title

In 2006, Diana Taurasi had a historic season under Coach Paul Westhead, leading the WNBA in scoring with a record 741 points. She averaged a WNBA record 25.3 points per game, including a then-league record 47 points in a game against the Houston Comets and setting a record with 121 three-pointers in a single season.

2006: Inducted into Huskies of Honor

In 2006, Diana Taurasi was a member of the inaugural class of inductees to the University of Connecticut women's basketball "Huskies of Honor" recognition program.

2007: First WNBA Championship

In 2007, Diana Taurasi reached the WNBA playoffs for the first time and led the Phoenix Mercury to their first WNBA title, becoming the seventh player ever to win an NCAA title, a WNBA title, and an Olympic gold medal.

2007: Spartak Moscow Wins EuroLeague Championship

In 2007, Diana Taurasi's team Spartak Moscow won the EuroLeague championship as part of a four-year winning streak.

2009: Taurasi Named Final Four MVP

In 2009, Diana Taurasi was named Final Four MVP.

2009: WNBA MVP and Second Championship

In 2009, Diana Taurasi was named the WNBA MVP and led the Phoenix Mercury to its second WNBA championship, winning the WNBA Finals MVP as well.

2010: Taurasi Named Final Four MVP Again

In 2010, Diana Taurasi was named Final Four MVP for the second consecutive year.

February 16, 2011: Taurasi Cleared of Doping Allegations

On February 16, 2011, Diana Taurasi was cleared of doping allegations after the test was found to be a false positive.

2011: Top 15 WNBA Players

In 2011, Diana Taurasi was voted one of the Top 15 players in the fifteen-year history of the WNBA by fans, after being selected to her seventh All-WNBA First Team.

2013: Return to Form and Playoff Run

In 2013, Diana Taurasi returned healthy, playing 32 games and averaging over 20 points per game for the sixth time in her career. The Mercury finished third in the Western Conference and advanced to the conference finals.

2013: UMMC Wins EuroLeague, Russian Championships, and Russian Cup

In 2013, Diana Taurasi's team UMMC Ekaterinburg dominated national and international competitions, winning the EuroLeague, Russian Championships, and Russian Cup.

2014: Third WNBA Championship and Finals MVP

In 2014, Diana Taurasi led the Phoenix Mercury to a 29-5 record, the most wins in a regular season, and swept the Chicago Sky in the WNBA Finals, earning her third championship and second WNBA Finals MVP award.

2014: UMMC Wins Russian Championship and Cup Again

In 2014, Diana Taurasi's team UMMC Ekaterinburg repeated their Russian Championship and Cup win but fell short in EuroLegue competition.

2015: Taurasi Back with UMMC

In 2015, Diana Taurasi returned to UMMC, leading the team to its third Euroleague title, earning MVP honors.

2016: Taurasi Returns to UMMC

In 2016, Diana Taurasi once again returned to UMMC, helping the team to its eleventh league championship.

2016: Playoff Berth and Playoff Career Three-Pointers Leader

In 2016, Diana Taurasi returned to the Mercury, averaging 17.8 points per game and helping them reach the playoffs. During the first-round game against the Indiana Fever, she became the all-time WNBA leader in playoff career three-pointers made, surpassing Becky Hammon.

May 2017: Signs Contract Extension and Reaches Milestone

In May 2017, Diana Taurasi signed a multi-year contract extension with the Mercury and became the first player in league history to reach 7,000 points, 1,500 rebounds, and 1,500 assists.

June 18, 2017: WNBA All-Time Leading Scorer

On June 18, 2017, Diana Taurasi became the WNBA's all-time leading scorer, passing Tina Thompson's record.

May 18, 2018: First to Make 1,000 3-Pointers

On May 18, 2018, in the season-opener, Diana Taurasi became the first player in WNBA history to make 1,000 3-pointers against the Dallas Wings.

June 5, 2018: First to Score 8,000 Points

On June 5, 2018, Diana Taurasi became the first player in WNBA history to score 8,000 points in a game against the Liberty.

July 8, 2018: All-Time Leader in Field Goals Made

On July 8, 2018, Diana Taurasi became the league's all-time leader in field goals made in a victory against the Connecticut Sun, surpassing Tina Thompson.