| 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