Step into the remarkable world of Diana Taurasi, where passion converges with expertise and knowledge seamlessly intertwines with experience. This in-depth article will guide you through different aspects of Diana Taurasi’s life, revealing the depth and richness she brings to the forefront. From modest origins to global acclaim, explore the inspiring journey of this exceptional individual.
Diana Taurasi is a renowned basketball star known for her excellence and innovation. She plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA and is considered one of the greatest players in its history. She played a key role in winning three WNBA championships for the Phoenix Mercury in 2007, 2009, and 2014. Standing at 6 feet tall, she earned the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 2009. With five scoring championships, she became the all-time leading scorer in the league in 2017.
Apart from her impressive WNBA career, Diana played for the U.S. women’s basketball teams that secured five consecutive Olympic gold medals from 2004 to 2021. Recently, she reached a significant milestone in the WNBA by becoming the first player to score an incredible 10,000 points in the league’s history. This remarkable feat not only sets a high standard for current WNBA players but is also anticipated to stand as a noteworthy record for many years.
Diana Taurasi’s Family Background
Diana Lorena Taurasi was born on June 11, 1982, and spent her childhood in Chino, California. Her father, Mario, was born in Argentina and had a career as a professional soccer player in Italy, serving as a goalkeeper for several years. Diana’s mother, Liliana, is also Argentine. Before Diana’s birth, Mario and Liliana Taurasi moved from Argentina to the United States. Diana has an older sister named Jessika.
When Diana was growing up, she played both basketball and football. She went to Don Antonio Lugo High School and finished in 2000. In high school, she decided to focus more on basketball, and during the next four years, she became one of the best scorers in California high school history. In 2000, she received the Cheryl Miller Award from the Los Angeles Times for being the best player in Southern California. She was also named the Naismith and Parade Magazine National High School Player of the Year in 2000 and got the Ms. Basketball State Player of the Year award in 1999 and 2000. For college, Diana chose to play for the University of Connecticut (UConn) with head coach Geno Auriemma.
Diana Taurasi is wedded to Penny Taylor, a former professional basketball player and assistant coach from Australia. The pair, who used to be teammates, got married on May 13, 2017, after being in a relationship for eight years. During their wedding, Penny was serving as the Director of Player Development and Performance for the Phoenix Mercury. Diana cherishes their wedding day as the most beautiful and incredible moment of their lives. On March 1, 2018, Taylor gave birth to the couple’s son and named him Leo Michael Taurasi-Taylor. Taylor gave birth to the couple’s first daughter, Isla Taurasi-Taylor, on October 9, 2021.
Diana Taurasi’s Career and Net Worth
Following the completion of her college career, Diana Taurasi was selected as the first overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2004 WNBA draft. Her remarkable achievements include winning the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2004, securing three WNBA championships in 2007, 2009, and 2014, and earning a historic five Olympic gold medals in 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Additionally, she received the WNBA Most Valuable Player Award in 2009, two WNBA Finals MVP Awards in 2009 and 2014, and five scoring titles in 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Diana boasts three FIBA World Cup victories in 2010, 2014, and 2018. Recognized for her stellar performance, she has been selected to ten WNBA All-Star teams and received fourteen All-WNBA team honors, including ten first-team selections. Notably, Diana stands among the elite group of 11 women who have achieved the remarkable feat of winning an Olympic gold medal, an NCAA Championship, a FIBA World Cup, and a WNBA Championship.
Certainly, Diana acquired the moniker White Mamba due to her knack for scoring in pivotal moments throughout her 19-year career. Recognized by fans in 2011 as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time, she has amassed significant wealth through her record-breaking career. Her net worth stands at $5 million, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the WNBA.
Diana Taurasi’s financial portfolio encompasses her earnings from both WNBA and international play, complemented by lucrative endorsement deals with major brands. Notably, she secured deals with Nike in 2014 and BodyArmor in 2018, adding to her endorsement portfolio that includes Coca-Cola and State Farm. As one of the top earners in the WNBA, these various endorsements significantly contribute to her financial success.