Alyssa Thomas has established herself as a vital presence for the Phoenix Mercury, continuing the strong performance she showed during her years with the Connecticut Sun. Her journey to becoming a top WNBA player began at the University of Maryland, where she developed into a standout athlete for the Terrapins.
Thomas made an immediate impact in her freshman season at Maryland, averaging 14.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.6 assists per game. Her contributions helped lead Maryland to a 24-8 record that year. Recognizing her talent, she earned the ACC Rookie of the Year award and secured a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team.
Building Momentum and Garnering Honors Throughout College
As her college career advanced, Thomas’s performance only got stronger. In her sophomore season, she averaged 17.2 points, 8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 steals, helping Maryland achieve an impressive 31-5 record. Her excellence was acknowledged with the ACC Player of the Year award and ACC Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. That season, Maryland made a significant run in the NCAA Tournament, advancing to the Elite Eight before losing to Notre Dame.
Thomas continued to excel in her junior year, posting averages of 18.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.8 steals. Maryland finished 26-8 and reached the Sweet 16, where they fell to a strong UConn team featuring players such as Breanna Stewart, Stefanie Dolson, and Kiah Stokes. Her outstanding play earned her the ACC Player of the Year award for the second consecutive year.
Senior Year Highlights and Maryland Legacy
During her senior year, Alyssa Thomas maintained her high level of performance, averaging 19 points, 10.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.5 steals. Maryland went 28-7 and advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Tournament before falling to Notre Dame once again. Thomas secured her third ACC Player of the Year title, underscoring her dominance in college basketball.
Over the course of her four years at Maryland, she averaged 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. Thomas completed her collegiate career as Maryland’s all-time leading scorer with 2,356 points, a testament to her consistency and impact. In recognition of her contributions, Maryland honored her by retiring her jersey, celebrating her lasting legacy with the program.
Transitioning to the WNBA and Continuing to Excel
Following her impressive college career, Thomas entered the 2014 WNBA Draft and was selected as the fourth overall pick by the New York Liberty. Shortly thereafter, she was traded to the Connecticut Sun, where she began her professional career. Thomas quickly made her mark in the league, using the skills and experience she honed at Maryland to become a key player.
Now with her rookie season behind her, Thomas has continued to deliver strong performances with the Phoenix Mercury, proving herself as an essential component of the team’s strategy and success. Her ongoing progress reflects both her individual talent and the hard work she put in from her earliest days on the court.
What Lies Ahead for Alyssa Thomas and the Mercury
Alyssa Thomas’s journey, from her formative years as a Maryland Terrapin to her role as a veteran player in the WNBA, highlights her resilience and ability to influence the game at every level. Her impact with the Phoenix Mercury not only adds depth to the team but also signals potential for continued contributions that could shape the franchise’s future.
As the Mercury look ahead to upcoming seasons, Thomas’s experience and leadership will be instrumental in their pursuit of success. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how her presence elevates the team’s performance in what could be defining years for both her and the Mercury organization.