Alyssa Thomas is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey from college standout to WNBA superstar is a captivating tale. But did you know her impact started long before she became a household name?
A Rising Star Shines Brighter:
Alyssa Thomas, known as the 'engine' of the Phoenix Mercury, has been turning heads since her early days in the WNBA. Drafted by the New York Liberty in 2014, she quickly became a key player for the Connecticut Sun after a trade. And her 2025 season was a testament to her talent, with averages of 15.4 points, 9.2 assists, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, solidifying her MVP-caliber status.
But here's where it gets interesting: Thomas' success isn't just a recent phenomenon. Her college career was equally impressive, and it's where the foundation for her WNBA dominance was laid.
At the University of Maryland, Thomas averaged a remarkable 17.5 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals over four seasons. These numbers are remarkably consistent with her WNBA stats, showcasing her versatility and all-around game.
And it all started with a bang! In her college debut against Monmouth, she posted an impressive 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, and an assist, leading Maryland to a dominant 73-40 victory. But this was just the beginning of her college dominance.
Thomas followed up her debut with a string of outstanding performances. She scored 10 or more points in nine consecutive games, including a 16-point, 7-rebound, 4-steal outing against American. And she didn't stop there! She continued her streak against East Carolina, scoring 14 points while grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists.
Thomas' impact was felt across the court, and she consistently delivered double-digit scoring performances against notable opponents like Massachusetts, Purdue, and Appalachian State. However, her streak came to an end against St. John's, where she still contributed with 5 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, proving her value beyond scoring.
The Mercury's Rising:
Thomas' exceptional talent was evident from the start, and her ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game has been a constant throughout her career. Now, as a key player for the Phoenix Mercury, she continues to make an impact and help her team succeed.
Want to dive deeper into Alyssa Thomas' journey? Follow us on X (https://x.com/MercuryOnSI) to uncover more about her remarkable rise and the impact she had before joining the Mercury. You won't want to miss this!
What do you think about Alyssa Thomas' journey? Are you a fan of her versatile playing style? Let us know in the comments, and join the conversation!
