Tina Charles is an American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the most dominant centers in WNBA history. As of 2025, she plays for the Connecticut Sun and holds the league’s all-time rebounding record, ranking second in career scoring.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Tina Alexandria Charles
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Date of Birth: December 5, 1988
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Hometown: Jamaica, Queens, New York City
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Height: 6’4″ (1.93 m)
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Position: Center
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High School: Christ the King (NY), where she was a McDonald’s All-American and WBCA National Player of the Year
College Career: UConn (2006–2010)
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Two-time NCAA champion (2009, 2010) alongside Maya Moore
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Most Outstanding Player of the 2009 NCAA Final Four.
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Set UConn freshman records for rebounds and blocks, and finished her career with multiple All-America honors
WNBA Career
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Drafted: 1st overall, 2010 WNBA Draft by Connecticut Sun.
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Teams: Connecticut Sun, New York Liberty, Washington Mystics, Phoenix Mercury, Seattle Storm, Atlanta Dream, Connecticut Sun (2025)
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2024 Season (Atlanta Dream):
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Started all 39 games, averaging 14.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game
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Set Dream franchise records for single-season rebounds (374) and double-doubles (21)
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Became the WNBA’s all-time leader in rebounds (4,014) and second all-time in scoring (7,698)
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Finished in double-figure scoring in 34 games and had a season-high 28 points
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Career Stats (as of 2024):
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437 games, 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists per game
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8× WNBA All-Star, 4× rebounding champion, 2× scoring champion, 4× All-Defensive Team, 9× All-WNBA, 2012 MVP, 2010 Rookie of the Year
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Notable Achievements:
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2012 WNBA MVP
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Fastest player to 1,000 rebounds in league history, reaching the mark in just 89 games
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Holds WNBA records for most double-doubles in a rookie season (22)
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International and Olympic Career
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Three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA3.
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Played professionally in Turkey, Russia, and China.
Playing Profile
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Strengths: Elite rebounder, dominant scorer in the paint, high basketball IQ, and consistent double-double threat
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Style: Physical, skilled center who anchors both ends of the floor and is a vocal team leader.
FAQs About Tina Charles
What position does Tina Charles play?
Center
Which team does she play for?
Connecticut Sun (WNBA, 2025)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA MVP, all-time rebounding leader, second all-time in scoring, 8× All-Star, 3× Olympic gold medalist
What is her playing style?
Dominant, physical center with elite rebounding and scoring ability
Conclusion
Tina Charles stands as one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history. With MVP honors, multiple records, and Olympic gold, her legacy as an elite center and leader continues to shape women’s basketball
