Career Notes The youngest player on the 2004 USA squad, Taurasi made it official just 48 hours after winning her third NCAA title with the University of Connecticut. The No. 1 pick in the 2004 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury, this two-time first team All-American (2002 and 2003) is sure to make her presence felt on the '04 National Team. A player who shines under pressure, she led UConn to three consecutive NCAA National titles (2002-2004) and the 2001 Final Four. Further, the 2003 and 2004 Big East Player of the Year is a three-time All-Big East first team (2002-04) and 2001 All-Rookie selection. At the end of four years Taurasi posted a sparkling 139-8 (.946) overall record, including an equally impressive 22-1 (.957) mark in NCAA tournament play.

Personal She is the daughter of Mario, who was born in Italy and raised in Argentina, and Liliana, a native Argentinian, and has one sister, Jessika. Her family moved to Southern California before Diana was born and she grew up speaking Spanish fluently thanks to her parents. A member of the 2001 USA Junior National Team, she became the team's unofficial spokesperson when shopping or hanging out in Mar del Plata, Argentina. There's a good chance she picked up her ball-handling skills from her father, who played professional soccer as a goalie.