Get ready for a blast from the past as we dive into the history of the Portland Fire, a WNBA team that's making a comeback after a 25-year hiatus!
The Portland Fire's Legacy: A Look Back at the Team's Initial Run
In 2026, the WNBA will welcome back the Portland Fire, and it's an exciting opportunity for new fans to discover the team's rich history. Let's explore some of the key players who left their mark during the Fire's initial run from 2000 to 2002.
Sylvia Crawley: The Fire's All-Time Leader
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Sylvia Crawley was a force to be reckoned with. She dominated the court, leading the Fire in points, rebounds, and blocks. Her career-high scoring game, where she dropped 25 points, is a testament to her skill. But here's where it gets controversial: after the Fire folded, Crawley's career took an unexpected turn due to a neck injury. Despite this setback, she transitioned into coaching, leaving a lasting impact on the game.
Jackie Stiles: Rookie of the Year and 3-Point Wizard
Jackie Stiles, the fourth pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft, was a true highlight for the Fire. She dominated the court, earning the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and making the All-Star Game. Stiles was known for her exceptional 3-point shooting, ranking 12th in the WNBA's career 3-point percentage leaderboard. Her career-high scoring game, where she dropped 32 points, is a testament to her shooting prowess.
DeMya Walker: Rising Star and Most Improved Player Finalist
DeMya Walker, a 6-foot-3 forward, joined the Fire as a free agent in 2000. Starting as a bench player, she rose to prominence in 2002, averaging 10.9 points and five rebounds per game. Her top performance with the Fire came in a 75-72 victory against the Lynx, where she scored 21 points. After the Fire's closure, Walker went on to win the WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs, solidifying her place as a rising star.
Alisa Burras: The Fire's First Pick
Alisa Burras holds the distinction of being the Fire's first-ever player, drafted in the 2000 expansion draft. While she primarily played off the bench, she had a standout game against the Cleveland Rockers, scoring a career-high 22 points. After the Fire's disbandment, Burras joined the Seattle Storm, continuing her career as a rotational player.
Sophia Witherspoon: Instant Game Changer
Sophia Witherspoon, drafted after Burras, made an immediate impact for the Fire. She averaged an impressive 16.8 points per game in 2000, setting a single-season scoring record for the team. Her career-high scoring game came against the Minnesota Lynx, where she dropped 31 points. Witherspoon later joined the Los Angeles Sparks, becoming a WNBA Champion but seeing limited court time.
Kristin Folkl: Two-Sport Star at Stanford
Kristin Folkl, a two-sport athlete at Stanford, played for both the volleyball and basketball teams. Drafted by the Lynx in 1999, she was later traded to the Fire in 2001. In her first year, she started almost every game, averaging solid numbers. However, in 2002, her role shifted to the bench. After the Fire's closure, Folkl continued her career overseas.
Stacey Thomas: Quality Starter and Rookie Sensation
Stacey Thomas, drafted 23rd overall in 2000, quickly established herself as a starter, averaging impressive stats. However, her role changed in 2001, and she transitioned to coming off the bench. Despite this, she went on to play for multiple teams, including the Phoenix Mercury and the Detroit Shock, winning the WNBA Championship with the latter.
Tully Bevilaqua: Franchise Record Holder
Tully Bevilaqua, a free agent signing in 2000, played for the Fire for all three years. She holds the franchise record for career assists and steals in a single season. One of her top performances came against the Cleveland Rockers, where she scored nine points with eight assists and six steals. After the Fire's disbandment, Bevilaqua continued her career with the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever, solidifying her place in WNBA history.
Ukari Figgs: Key Piece of the 2002 Roster
Ukari Figgs, a 5-foot-9 guard, spent just one year in Portland but made a significant impact. 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 dropped 22 points. After the Fire, Figgs joined the Houston Comets, becoming a consistent starter.
Vanessa Nygaard: Instant Standout
Vanessa Nygaard joined the Fire in 2000 and quickly became a standout player. She started most games in her first season, averaging 7.9 points per game. However, her production dropped in 2001, and she transitioned to a bench role. After the Fire, Nygaard moved into coaching, working at various levels before returning to the WNBA as an assistant coach for the Las Vegas Aces. She later became the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury but was unfortunately fired mid-season.
These players, with their unique stories and contributions, made the Portland Fire a special team during its initial run. As the Fire prepares for its return, it's an exciting time to celebrate the legacy of these athletes and their impact on the game.
So, what do you think? Which player's story resonated with you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts and memories in the comments below!
