Trending Now - Tina Charles Celebrated by Uconn and Connecticut Sun After WNBA Retirement

WHO:

Sportskeeda - Geno Auriemma is the UConn Huskies women's basketball coach.

Finding Connecticut - Tina Charles is recognized as a franchise cornerstone for the Connecticut Sun.

WHAT:

NBC Sports - Tina Charles is the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder with 4,262 rebounds and the No. 2 all-time scorer with 8,396 points in her career.

NBC Sports - Charles announced her retirement from basketball, stating, “Today, I officially announce my retirement from basketball. Fifteen years at the professional level and a lifetime of love for this game.”

NBC Sports - Charles helped the U.S. win three Olympic gold medals and three World Cup championships, and earned WNBA MVP honors in 2012.

NBC Sports - Charles has donated 500 AEDs through her charity, Hopey’s Heart Foundation, which aims to curb deaths from sudden cardiac arrest.

NBC Sports - WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated, “Beyond her extraordinary accomplishments, Tina has represented the very best of the WNBA throughout her career.”

Sportskeeda - Geno Auriemma shared a heartfelt message praising Tina Charles after her retirement from the WNBA.

Finding Connecticut - The Connecticut Sun honored Tina Charles following her retirement from the WNBA, acknowledging her significant impact on the organization.

WHERE:

Finding Connecticut - The tribute to Tina Charles took place in Connecticut, specifically associated with the Connecticut Sun.

WHY:

Finding Connecticut - The Connecticut Sun's tribute was in recognition of Tina Charles's contributions and impact on the franchise.

HOW:

Sportskeeda - Geno Auriemma expressed his admiration for Tina Charles through a public message.

(UPDATED May 6, 2026 11:34 UTC)

Tina Charles has officially announced her retirement from basketball after an impressive career that includes being the WNBA’s all-time leading rebounder with 4,262 rebounds and the second-highest scorer with 8,396 points. Throughout her fifteen years in the league, she has also contributed to the U.S. winning three Olympic gold medals and three World Cup championships, while earning WNBA MVP honors in 2012. In addition to her on-court achievements, Charles has made a significant impact off the court by donating 500 AEDs through her charity, Hopey’s Heart Foundation, which aims to reduce deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised her for representing the very best of the league.

--

(UPDATED May 6, 2026 04:15 UTC)

Geno Auriemma, the UConn Huskies women's basketball coach, shared a heartfelt message praising Tina Charles following her retirement from the WNBA. The Connecticut Sun honored Charles in a tribute that recognized her significant contributions and impact on the franchise, taking place in Connecticut. Auriemma expressed his admiration for Charles publicly, highlighting her role as a franchise cornerstone for the Connecticut Sun.