Diana Taurasi had a highly decorated and memorable college career at the University of Connecticut (UConn). Here are some of the most notable moments and achievements from her time there.
Birthdate and Location: June 11, 1982, Chino, California, U.S.
Teams: Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow, Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray Medical Park, UMMC Ekaterinburg
WNBA Achievements: 3 WNBA championships (2007, 2009, 2014), WNBA Rookie of the Year(2004), WNBA MVP (2009), 2 WNBA Finals MVP Awards, first player to score 10,000 career points
International Achievements: 5 Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020), 3 FIBA World Cups(2010, 2014, 2018)
Recognitions: 10 WNBA All-Star teams, 14 All-WNBA teams, voted as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time
Nickname: “White Mamba”, coined by Kobe Bryant
NCAA Championships
Three Consecutive National Championships (2002-2004)
Taurasi led UConn to three straight NCAA titles, a feat that solidified her legacy in college basketball. Her leadership and clutch performances were pivotal in these victories.
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Individual Accolades
Naismith College Player of the Year (2003, 2004)
Taurasi was named the Naismith College Player of the Year twice, in 2003 and 2004, recognizing her as the best player in women’s college basketball during those seasons.
Wade Trophy and Honda Sports Award (2003)
In 2003, she won both the Wade Trophy and the Honda Sports Award, further cementing her status as the top player in the nation.
Associated Press Player of the Year (2003)
Taurasi was also named the Associated Press Player of the Year in 2003, adding to her list of individual honors.
Memorable Games
2001 Final Four Loss and Vow
After a disappointing shooting performance in UConn’s 2001 Final Four loss to Notre Dame, Taurasi famously vowed, “We will not lose another tournament game while I’m wearing this uniform.” She kept her promise, leading UConn to 18 straight tournament wins and three consecutive national titles.
2002-03 Season Highlights
During the 2002-03 season, Taurasi averaged 19.0 points per game and was instrumental in UConn’s success. Her performance in the Final Four and championship games was particularly noteworthy.
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Team Success
Overall Record
During Taurasi’s tenure, UConn compiled an impressive overall record of 139 wins and only 8 losses. This dominance was a testament to her impact on the team[4][13][18].
Legacy
First UConn Player to Achieve 2,000 Points, 600 Assists, and 600 Rebounds
Taurasi was the first player in UConn history to accumulate over 2,000 points, 600 assists, and 600 rebounds in her career, showcasing her all-around game.
Huskies of Honor
In 2006, Taurasi was inducted into the inaugural class of UConn’s “Huskies of Honor” recognition program, highlighting her lasting impact on the program.
Quotes and Recognition
Geno Auriemma’s Praise
UConn coach Geno Auriemma famously said, “We have Diana, and you don’t,” underscoring her importance to the team’s success and her unique talent.
These moments and achievements illustrate why Diana Taurasi is considered one of the greatest players in NCAA women’s basketball history. Her combination of individual excellence and team success set her apart during her college career.
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Sources: CBS Sports,
