Lynx's Maya Moore announces retirement from WNBA
MINNEAPOLIS -- Multi-awarded Lynx forward Maya Moore announced Monday that she has retired from WNBA basketball, effective immediately.
Moore made the announcement on "Good Morning America."
"I am extremely thankful for the opportunities that the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx and basketball have given me in my lifetime. It was a dream come true for me to play basketball at the highest level and help build the foundation for women's basketball," Moore said.
In her time with the Lynx, more than a decade ago, Moore has picked up four WNBA championship rings, and leads the franchise record books in scoring average (18.4), three-point field goals made (530) and steals (449).
"Ever since I was drafted in 2011, the state of Minnesota, Lynx organization and fan base welcomed me with open arms and supported me throughout my entire career," Moore said. "I will forever be grateful for Glen Taylor, Coach Reeve and the Lynx community for all of the support and am excited to continue this next chapter in my life."
Moore stopped playing after she married her husband Jonathan Irons, the Missouri man she helped free from prison after a wrongful conviction.
Irons said he supported Moore's decision.
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"It was totally her decision and you know it brewed from her heart," he said. "I was gonna root for her whatever she chose to do. I'd been right there at the stadium yelling: 'Go girl! Take that jump shot, win that championship!"
Moore will be eligible for the Naismith Hall of Fame next year since she stopped playing four years ago, one of the rare athletes to leave their sport in the prime of their career.
"Maya Moore has forever left a mark on the state of Minnesota, the Minnesota Lynx franchise and the hearts of Lynx fans everywhere," Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor said. "Maya's accolades are numerous; her leadership and talent both fearless and inspirational set the foundation for the most exciting and historic championship run in the league from 2011-2017. While today culminates Maya's basketball career, there is no doubt she will continue to impact the game we all love."
