Seven-time WNBA All-Star Elena Delle Donne, a two-time league MVP and a key a part of Washington’s 2019 championship, is retiring after 11 seasons.
Delle Donne, 35, made the announcement on social media Friday and referenced a line from considered one of her favourite childhood books that reads, “How did get so late so quickly?”
“I’ve requested myself that again and again within the technique of coming to the choice to retire from enjoying basketball,” Delle Donne wrote on Instagram. “Having the ability to say that out loud was one of many hardest elements of my profession. My physique appeared to make this determination earlier than my thoughts accepted it, however I now actually know that is the appropriate factor for me on the proper time.”
The second total decide in 2013 by Chicago, Delle Donne spent a dozen years as one of many faces of the WNBA. She performed the final six seasons of her profession in Washington – she opted out of 2020 due to well being issues – and turned down a contract in February 2024 to step away from basketball.
She averaged 19.5 factors and 6.7 rebounds in 241 regular-season video games. She additionally performed in 40 playoffs video games, the place she averaged 17.9 factors, 6.1 boards and a couple of.3 assists.
“Phrases can’t adequately categorical how grateful I’m to my household, all of my unimaginable teammates, associates, executives, sponsors, workers and most significantly the wonderful followers which have accompanied me on this journey,” she wrote. “This recreation has been my life, and I’m grateful for the recollections and the way a lot it’s given me. It feels good to shut this chapter figuring out I gave it my all, and I can’t await what’s subsequent!”
Supply hyperlink
