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WNBA: Mystics vs Dream
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Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP and one of basketball’s most decorated athletes, has officially announced her retirement. Sharing the news on Instagram, the 35-year-old cited her body as the driving force behind the decision, saying, “My body seemed to make this decision before my mind accepted it.” The announcement marks the end of an illustrious 11-season professional career filled with historic achievements and inspiring comebacks.

Drafted second overall by the Chicago Sky in 2013, Delle Donne quickly established herself as a force in the league. Her career highlights include the first-ever 50-40-90 season in WNBA history, which she accomplished in 2019 while leading the Washington Mystics to their first championship. Battling through three herniated discs that season, she embodied resilience and determination.

The Delaware native also earned seven All-Star selections, four All-WNBA First Team honors, and remains the only player to win league MVP with two different teams (2015 with the Sky and 2019 with the Mystics). Additionally, she helped the U.S. National Team secure an Olympic gold medal at the 2016 Rio Games, cementing her legacy on the international stage.

Delle Donne’s stellar career was not without challenges. Chronic health issues, including Lyme disease and multiple back surgeries, limited her playing time in recent years. She sat out the 2024 season after declining to sign a one-year contract with the Mystics. Despite these setbacks, she retires as the WNBA’s career leader in free-throw percentage at an astounding 93.7%.

Reflecting on her retirement, Delle Donne expressed deep gratitude for her family, teammates, fans, and the game itself, calling basketball her life. Her post-basketball plans include a new role as a special adviser to Monumental Basketball, the organization behind the Mystics and Washington Wizards. Monumental CEO Ted Leonsis praised her lasting contributions, stating she’ll continue to shape the sport, though in a different capacity.

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