The Portland Fire, a WNBA team that made its mark in the early 2000s, boasted a talented roster that included several standout players. Here's a closer look at 10 of the key players who made the team special during its initial run from 2000-2002:
- Sylvia Crawley: A 6-foot-5 forward, Crawley was a force to be reckoned with, leading the team in points, rebounds, and blocks. Her neck injury in 2003 cut short her playing time, but she later transitioned into coaching, mentoring young talents.
- Jackie Stiles: Standing at 5-foot-8, Stiles was a shooting star, earning the WNBA All-Star Game selection and Rookie of the Year honors in 2001. Her 3-point shooting prowess was a game-changer, and she later became a coach, sharing her expertise with aspiring players.
- DeMya Walker: Walker, a 6-foot-3 forward, was a free-agent acquisition in 2000. Her improved performance in 2002, with 10.9 points and 5 rebounds per game, earned her a spot as a finalist for Most Improved Player. Walker continued her career with the Sacramento Monarchs, winning a championship.
- Alisa Burras: Burras, a 6-foot-3 center, was the Fire's first-ever pick in the expansion draft. She provided solid contributions off the bench, scoring a career-high 22 points in a victory against the Cleveland Rockers.
- Sophia Witherspoon: Witherspoon, a 5-foot-10 guard, was a game-changer from the start. Her 16.8 points per game in 2000 set an all-time record for the team. She later traded teams, joining the Los Angeles Sparks, but her time in Portland was impactful.
- Kristin Folkl: Folkl, a 6-foot-2 forward, was a two-sport star at Stanford. Her versatility on the court, with 5.6 points and 7.7 rebounds in her first year, showcased her all-around skills. Folkl later played professionally overseas.
- Stacey Thomas: Thomas, a 5-foot-10 forward, was a quality starter, averaging 5.1 points with 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Her rookie season was her best, but she later moved to a bench role. Thomas played for multiple teams after the Fire's closure.
- Tully Bevilaqua: Bevilaqua, a 5-foot-7 guard, was a free-agent acquisition in 2000. She holds the franchise record for assists and steals in a single season. Her top performance included scoring nine points with eight assists and six steals.
- Ukari Figgs: Figgs, a 5-foot-9 guard, had a standout season in 2002, starting 31 of 32 games. Her 8.5 points and 3.4 assists per game were crucial. Figgs later played for the Houston Comets before retiring.
- Vanessa Nygaard: Nygaard, a 6-foot-1 forward, joined the Fire in 2000 and started 28 games, averaging 7.9 points. Her production dropped in 2001, but she later transitioned into coaching, mentoring young players in the WNBA and beyond.
