Alyssa Thomas is an American professional basketball player who currently plays forward for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA. Renowned for her versatility, playmaking, and relentless competitiveness, Thomas is one of the most accomplished and unique talents in women’s basketball history.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Alyssa Thomas
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Date of Birth: April 12, 1992
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Hometown: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
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Height: 6’2″ (1.88 m)
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Weight: Not widely listed
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Position: Forward
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High School: Central Dauphin High School
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All-time leading scorer with 2,289 points
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2010 Parade All-American First Team
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2010 Pennsylvania AAAA State Player of the Year
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Unanimous 2010 ESPN and USA Today All-American
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College Career: Maryland Terrapins (2010–2014)
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Four-year standout for the Maryland Terrapins
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Accolades:
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Three-time ACC Player of the Year (2012, 2013, 2014)
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Three-time AP, WBCA, and USBWA First-Team All-American
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ACC Tournament MVP (2012)
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2011 ACC Rookie of the Year
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Maryland’s all-time leader in points (2,356), rebounds (1,235), and double-doubles (66)
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First in NCAA or WNBA history to average 18+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists for a full season (2012–13)
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Led Maryland to the Final Four (2014)
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ACC Female Athlete of the Year (2014)
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Jersey retired by the University of Maryland
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Professional Career
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WNBA Draft: 1st round, 4th overall, 2014 WNBA Draft by New York Liberty (traded to Connecticut Sun)
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Teams:
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Connecticut Sun (2014–2024)
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Phoenix Mercury (2025–present)
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WNBA Stats (through 2024):
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Career averages: 12.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.3 blocks per game
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2024 season: 14.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 9.4 assists per game
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2023 season: 18.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, 10.3 assists per game
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2022 season: 12.3 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists per game
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Career highs: 38 points, 18 rebounds, 15 assists, 7 steals
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WNBA record: 15 career triple-doubles (most in league history)
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Fastest to 3,000+ points, 1,500+ rebounds, 1,000+ assists, and 400+ steals (261 games)
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Only WNBA player to record 15+ points, 15+ rebounds, 10+ assists, and 0 turnovers in a game
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Rebounding champion (2023)
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Steals leader (2020)
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All-time playoff double-doubles leader for Connecticut Sun (9)
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International/Overseas:
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Played in South Korea, Turkey, and Czech Republic
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EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year (2023)
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All-EuroLeague First Team (2023)
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International and National Team
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Team USA:
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Gold medal, 2022 FIBA World Cup
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Gold medal, 2024 Paris Olympics
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Key contributor in all major tournaments
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Achievements & Honors
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Olympic gold medalist (2024)
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FIBA World Cup gold medalist (2022)
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Five-time WNBA All-Star (2017, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024)
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WNBA All-Rookie Team (2014)
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WNBA All-WNBA First Team (2023)
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WNBA All-WNBA Second Team (2022)
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WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2020, 2023)
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WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017, 2019, 2022, 2024)
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WNBA rebounding champion (2023)
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WNBA steals leader (2020)
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WNBA triple-double record (15)
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Fastest to 3,000+ points, 1,500+ rebounds, 1,000+ assists, 400+ steals (261 games)
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Maryland all-time leader in points, rebounds, and double-doubles
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ACC Female Athlete of the Year (2014)
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Three-time ACC Player of the Year (2012–2014)
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EuroLeague Defensive Player of the Year (2023)
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All-EuroLeague First Team (2023)
Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Elite playmaking and triple-double threat
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Tenacious rebounder and defender
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High basketball IQ and leadership
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Clutch performer in big games
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Style:
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Physical, versatile forward who excels in transition and half-court offense
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Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
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FAQs About Alyssa Thomas
What position does Alyssa Thomas play?
Forward
Which team does she play for?
Phoenix Mercury (WNBA)
How old is Alyssa Thomas?
33 (born April 12, 1992)
What are her main achievements?
Olympic gold medalist, FIBA World Cup gold medalist, five-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA triple-double record (15), rebounding champion, steals leader, Maryland all-time leader in points, rebounds, and double-doubles, three-time ACC Player of the Year
What is her playing style?
Versatile, physical forward with elite playmaking, rebounding, and defense
Conclusion
Alyssa Thomas is a generational talent whose versatility, playmaking, and championship pedigree have made her a cornerstone for the Phoenix Mercury and one of the most respected figures in basketball history.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
