Connecticut Sun players honor UConn legend Tina Charles's retirement: 'think of excellence

Connecticut Sun center legend Tina Charles formally announced her retirement, with Sun players and coaches paying public tribute on Wednesday to the Hall of Fame-caliber player, praising her outstanding dedication to basketball and unparalleled competitive spirit. Charles completed her final professional game on September 10, 2025, at Mohegan Sun Arena, ending her illustrious career with an 88-72 loss to the Atlanta Dream.

Legacy of Excellence Lives On

Charles's retirement announcement came as a surprise to many. As the 2012 WNBA MVP and 2016 Olympic gold medalist, she accumulated countless honors throughout her professional career. The Sun's head coach told reporters: "Tina's accomplishments speak for themselves — she defined what excellence means through her actions." Players also consistently highlighted her relentless pursuit of winning and attention to detail in interviews, viewing her spirit as a future benchmark for the team.

Legacy Inspires Next Generation

Young players on the Sun roster acknowledged that Charles's retirement made them treasure every practice and game opportunity more deeply. One player said in an interview: "Whenever we think of Tina's focus and intensity on the court, we understand how to demand more of ourselves." Team management also revealed plans to organize tribute events, ensuring the legendary star's spirit lives on forever with the Connecticut Sun.