Get ready to dive into the rich history of the Portland Fire, a team that's making a comeback to the WNBA after a 25-year hiatus! We're about to uncover the stories of some incredible players who left their mark during the team's initial run from 2000 to 2002. These athletes not only entertained us with their skills but also paved the way for the future of women's basketball in Portland. But here's where it gets controversial... some of these players' journeys took unexpected turns, and their legacies are still up for debate. So, let's explore the tales of these 10 remarkable individuals and the impact they had on the Portland Fire.
Sylvia Crawley: The All-Time Leader
Our first standout is Sylvia Crawley, a 6-foot-5 forward who dominated the court with her height and skill. Crawley holds the record for most points, rebounds, and blocks in Portland Fire history. Her career-high scoring game was a thrilling 25-point performance against the Utah Starzz in 2000. But her story doesn't end there. After the Fire folded, Crawley's journey took an unexpected turn with a neck injury that sidelined her. Despite this setback, she transitioned into coaching, guiding teams like North Carolina, Fordham, Ohio, and Boston College. Crawley's impact on the game extended beyond the court, and her story is a testament to resilience and dedication.
Jackie Stiles: Rookie of the Year
Next up is Jackie Stiles, the No. 4 pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft. Stiles quickly became a fan favorite in Portland, earning a spot in the WNBA All-Star Game and taking home the Rookie of the Year award. Her 3-point shooting abilities were legendary, with a career 3-point percentage of 40.6%. In 2001, she put on a show, scoring a career-high 32 points against the Los Angeles Sparks. After her playing days, Stiles also made the transition to coaching, working with teams like Loyola Marymount, Missouri State, Oklahoma, and Tulsa. Her impact on the game continues to inspire young athletes today.
DeMya Walker: A Late-Bloomer
DeMya Walker, a 6-foot-3 forward, joined the Fire as a free agent in 2000. It took a couple of years, but Walker's talent finally shone through in 2002, when she averaged an impressive 10.9 points and five rebounds per game. Her top performance with the Fire came in a 21-point outing against the Lynx. After the Fire's closure, Walker's career took off, leading the Sacramento Monarchs to a WNBA Championship in 2005. Her journey is a reminder that sometimes, success takes time and perseverance.
Alisa Burras: The Fire's First Pick
Alisa Burras holds the distinction of being the Fire's first-ever draft pick. Although she spent most of her time coming off the bench, Burras had her moment in the sun, scoring a career-high 22 points against the Cleveland Rockers in 2000. After the Fire's disbandment, Burras continued her career with the Seattle Storm before retiring. Her story is a reminder that every player, regardless of their role, contributes to the team's success.
Sophia Witherspoon: An Immediate Impact
Sophia Witherspoon, taken in the 2000 expansion draft, made an immediate impact for the Fire. She averaged an impressive 16.8 points per game in her debut season, setting a single-season scoring record for the team. Her career-high scoring game was a 31-point performance against the Minnesota Lynx. Witherspoon's journey took an interesting turn when she was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, where she won a WNBA Championship. However, her playing time was limited, and she retired shortly after.
Kristin Folkl: A Two-Sport Star
Kristin Folkl, a two-sport star at Stanford, joined the Fire in 2001 after being traded from the Lynx. In her first year, Folkl started almost every game, showcasing her talent on the court. Her story is a unique one, as she decided to pursue a professional career overseas after the Fire's closure. Folkl's journey is a testament to the global reach of women's basketball and the opportunities it presents.
Stacey Thomas: A Quality Starter
Stacey Thomas, drafted 23rd overall in 2000, quickly established herself as a starter for the Fire. She averaged solid numbers across the board, including 5.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. However, her role changed in 2001, and she transitioned to coming off the bench. After the Fire's shutdown, Thomas continued her career with the Phoenix Mercury, Detroit Shock, and Minnesota Lynx, even winning a WNBA Championship with the Shock in 2003.
Tully Bevilaqua: The Franchise Record-Holder
Tully Bevilaqua, a 5-foot-7 guard, joined the Fire as a free agent in 2000 and became a key player for the team. She holds the franchise record for career assists and steals in a single season. One of her standout performances came in a game against the Cleveland Rockers, where she scored nine points with eight assists and six steals. After the Fire's disbandment, Bevilaqua's career continued with the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever, winning championships with both teams. She finished her WNBA career with the San Antonio Silver Stars and later transitioned into coaching, working with the Mercury and the Fever.
Ukari Figgs: A Crucial Piece
Ukari Figgs spent just one year in Portland, but her impact was significant. She started almost every game in the 2002 season, averaging 8.5 points and leading the team in assists. Her career-high scoring game came against Sacramento, where she put up 22 points. After the Fire, Figgs's career continued with the Houston Comets, where she was a consistent starter. She retired from professional basketball at the end of the 2003 season.
Vanessa Nygaard: An Instant Standout
Vanessa Nygaard joined the Fire in 2000 and made an immediate impact, starting most of the games that season. Her production dipped in 2001, but she still contributed as a role player. Nygaard's journey took an interesting turn when she was traded to Miami and later played for the Los Angeles Sparks. After her playing career, Nygaard transitioned into coaching, working with various teams and high schools. She even had a stint as an assistant with the Las Vegas Aces and as the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. Her coaching record stands at 17-31, and she's currently coaching at UC San Diego.
These 10 players represent the heart and soul of the Portland Fire's initial run. Their stories are a testament to the passion, talent, and dedication that define women's basketball. As we look forward to the Fire's return in 2026, let's celebrate these athletes and their impact on the game. And this is the part most people miss... these players' legacies are still being written, and their stories continue to inspire the next generation of basketball stars. So, what do you think? Which player's journey resonates with you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
