Is it just us, or does this announcement draw parallels to the one made earlier in the offseason by Crystal Langhorne who retired from the Seattle Storm only to join Force 10 Hoops’ front office to have a greater role in its social justice work?
In what had to be surprise news, LaToya Sanders, who was part of the 2019-championship winning team with the Washington Mystics, announced her retirement from the WNBA.
Sanders will be remaining in the Nation’s Capital as she will join the Player Development Group at Monumental Sports & Entertainment.
Congratulations on your retirement LaToya!
We’d still choose you 10/10 times 😉💪
📰 >> https://t.co/q4RExdRLRj pic.twitter.com/e528E3o3f2
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) March 8, 2021
Thank you for everything LaToya! ❤️💪🏆 pic.twitter.com/98eRY23JOQ
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) March 10, 2021
She has had to work so hard on and off the court to be physically ready to play each game. I think only her husband Byron, our staff, and her teammates can really appreciate what she has done to be prepared each and every day and she has been a shining example for what it’s like to be a true professional.
–Mike Thibault, Mystics coach and general manager (release)
After sitting out the 2020 season and speaking to my family, I felt that retirement was the best option for me, and I look forward to helping our players develop on and off the court.
–LaToya Sanders (release)
After being an important piece to Washington’s District of Champions-winning puzzle in 2019, she sat out the 2020 season and did not travel to the bubble. Her first three seasons in the W (2008, 2009, 2011) were spent with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Sparks and Minnesota Lynx, respectively, before finding a footing in her four seasons with the Mystics.
Along with the 2019 championship, she averaged over 10 points per game for that Washington team that made an appearance in that season’s Finals before being swept by the Seattle Storm.
Interestingly enough, Washington announced on the second day of free agency that Sanders would be returning to the team.
📣 TOYA’S BACK 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘢 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥
📰 >> https://t.co/mitTWeWyUN pic.twitter.com/6jxzVdMzQt
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) February 2, 2021
The announcement of Sanders’ sudden retirement also comes as reports come out that Natasha Cloud, reported to be in tense contract talks with Washington, has agreed to return to the Mystics.
Natasha Cloud agrees to a three-year extension with the Mystics, per @Khristina2334 pic.twitter.com/2kkF9MwrBK
— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) March 10, 2021
Washington also hopes to re-up with Emma Meesseman, the 2019 Finals MVP. Sanders’ retirement apparently opened up cap space to re-up with Cloud and could do the same in Meesseman’s case as well.
The Mystics also made another signing by inking a deal with Theresa Plaisance, formerly with the Connecticut Sun.
Welcome to the District @tplai55!! 👋
📰 >> https://t.co/TUyfgkGaqM pic.twitter.com/IyKt24unaE
— Washington Mystics (@WashMystics) March 8, 2021
