Tina Thompson: Profile, biography, career and achievements

Tina Thompson, a name synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball, is a renowned figure whose remarkable career and numerous achievements have left an indelible mark on the sport. Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Tina’s journey from a promising young talent to one of the most celebrated athletes in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a testament to her unwavering dedication and outstanding skills on the court. 

Profile

Full Name: Tina Marie Thompson

Birthdate: February 10, 1975

Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA

Height: 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters)

Position: Forward

College: University of Southern California (USC)

Biography

Tina Thompson fell in love with basketball at a young age, having grown up in Los Angeles, California. She became a standout basketball player at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, which she attended. Thompson played collegiate basketball for the University of Southern California (USC) from 1993 to 1997 while she pursued her basketball career. She had a big effect at USC and was chosen three times to the All-Pac-10 team while she was a student.

Career

Tina Thompson had a legendary career playing women’s basketball on the international circuit as well as in the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association). Here are a few of her career’s major highlights:

Career in College: From 1993 to 1997, Tina Thompson was a member of the USC Trojans basketball team. During her time, she guided the Trojans to the NCAA tournament and was named an All-American. She became the all-time top scorer at USC upon graduation.

WNBA Career: The Houston Comets selected Tina Thompson with the first overall pick in the 1997 WNBA draft. She was a member of the Comets from 1997 to 2000, when they won four straight WNBA titles. She stayed with the franchise until 2008. Thompson was one of the most dominant forwards in the league and a nine-time WNBA All-Star. Before retirement, she went on to play for the Seattle Storm and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Olympic Success: Tina Thompson won three gold medals in the Olympics in 2004, 2008, and 2012 while playing a pivotal role for the US women’s basketball team.

International Play: During the WNBA offseason, Thompson played basketball abroad in addition to her WNBA career. She participated in a number of European leagues, increasing her success and expertise.

Achievements

Among Tina Thompson’s many accomplishments and contributions to women’s basketball are:

Four-Time WNBA Champion: Thompson was a four-time champion in the WNBA, having won the title with the Houston Comets in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000. Her achievements are among the highest of any player in league history.

Nine-Time WNBA All Star: Thompson’s nine-time selection as a WNBA All-Star underscores her steady and exceptional play throughout her career.

WNBA All-Decade Team: As one of the best players of the 2000s, she was chosen in 2006 to be a member of the WNBA All-Decade Team.

Scoring Records: With more than 7,000 points in her career, Tina Thompson was the WNBA’s all-time top scorer when she retired.

Olympic Success: Thompson was a key member of the United States women’s national basketball team and won two Olympic gold medals in 2004 and 2008.

Hall of Fame Induction: In 2018, Tina Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

Post Retirement

Tina Thompson made the switch to coaching after her playing career ended. Under head coach Karen Aston, she served as an assistant coach at the University of Texas.