Diana Taurasi, top scorer in the WNBA, retires

Legendary WNBA player Diana Taurasi announced that she is retiring at age 42 after two decades in the game.

The news was reported by the WNBA, which dedicated a post on social media to Taurasi after announcing her farewell to professional sports.

"After 20 years of playing in the WNBA, Diana Taurasi is officially retiring. Thank you, Diana, for changing the game forever, all the accolades could never amount to the type of person and edge you embodied when you stepped out there on the court," the WNBA wrote.

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner, praised Taurasi for her career, which she defined as "one of the best competitors" in history.

"Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage. She has earned the unquestioned respect of players around the globe, delivered electrifying moments and captivated fans again and again," the president said in a communiqué.

The Phoenix Mercury, the only WNBA team to enjoy Taurasi's play, also said goodbye.

In the two decades she was active, Taurasi became the top scorer in the WNBA. She won the league three times (2007, 2009 and 2014), was an 11-time All-Star and was named MVP of the Season once (2009). With the national team, she won six gold medals at the Olympic Games and three gold medals - and one bronze medal - at the World Cup.