| By Casey Schmidt
WNBA star Tina Thompson ’ s pre-game rituals , despite being the same for the last 16 years , might feel a little different this season . Though she ’ s certain to continue with her routine of warm-up shots and layups , followed by putting on her notorious raspberry red lipstick and taking a quick nap and shower ; in her mind she knows that her days of playing basketball professionally are coming to an end .
Thompson , the first WNBA player ever drafted , is retiring after this season . The 38-year old Seattle Storm forward , who is the longest tenured player in the WNBA , will finish her illustrious career as the league ’ s all-time leading scorer .
The nine-time All Star spent most of her career in Houston , where her aggressive offensive play-style , pure shooting form , and leadership helped lead the Comets to 4 championship titles and 9 playoff berths . She is the all-time leader in minutes played , exerting herself on every possession . She also spent time playing in Los Angeles , leading the Sparks to the postseason twice out of three seasons . She will finish her playing days in Seattle at the end of the year , and her retirement marks the end of all the players from the inaugural season playing in the WNBA .
Those that played against Thompson would likely call her gutsy , tough , and tenacious . Those that watched her play might call her talented , amazing , and consistent . When her long-lasting career finally comes to an end , everyone will say that she , among other things , has more heart than almost anyone .
Though the WNBA is losing a wonderful player and person in Tina Thompson at the end of this season , the mark she has left on the league will continue to positively impact younger players for years to come .
Thompson ’ s game time ritual hasn ’ t changed much her entire career in the NBA ; however , on the day of her last game in the WNBA , she might just squeeze one extra warm-up routine into it – a wave and “ thank you ” to the fans .
Tina Thompson ( F / C ) Seattle Storm WNBA ’ s All-Time Leading Scorer
Sports Passion The Magazine | 8 August 2013 | Issue No . 1