Alyssa Thomas was recently celebrated by the Connecticut Sun as a true legend of the franchise, a tribute that saw her No. 25 jersey lifted into the rafters of Mohegan Sun Arena. The ceremony, held before a packed crowd, underscored the indelible mark she has left on Connecticut’s women’s basketball history.
The Engine’s Legacy
Known affectionately as ‘The Engine,’ Thomas combined relentless competitiveness with a versatile skill set that made her the Sun’s all‑time leader in games played, points, rebounds, assists and steals. Her career statistics read like a Hall of Fame résumé: 319 games, 3,889 points, 2,396 rebounds, 1,463 assists and 494 steals, the latter two figures topping every Sun player who ever wore the jersey.
The nickname ‘The Engine’ was earned not only for her statistical dominance but also for the way she drove the team’s tempo, orchestrated plays and set the tone with a fire that inspired teammates and opponents alike. She earned all‑Defensive First Team honors in 2020, finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting and led the league in steals per game that season, a testament to her defensive brilliance.
After more than a decade in Connecticut, Thomas now wears a Phoenix Mercury uniform, where she continues to mentor younger talent alongside her wife and former Sun teammate DeWanna Bonner. The move has not diminished her connection to the region; rather, it has broadened her influence, as she frequently returns to speak about the importance of community and the future of the sport in New England.
Thomas’s legacy has endured even amid recent controversy, including a brief suspension and a wave of online racist remarks that targeted her and her family. Through it all, fans and coaches in Connecticut have rallied around her, emphasizing the respect she commands and the inspiration she provides to the next generation of players.
Looking ahead, Thomas has spoken openly about her desire to be remembered for delivering a championship to Connecticut and for helping lay the groundwork for a franchise resurgence in the area. Her optimism reflects a broader hope that professional women’s basketball will once again find a home in New England, a prospect she believes is inevitable given the growing interest and talent pool.