Diana Taurasi, the all-time leading scorer in the women's NBA, announces her retirement

Six-time Olympic champion Diana Taurasi announced her retirement from the WNBA on Tuesday, closing the chapter on one of the most decorated careers in basketball history.

The league's all-time leading scorer, 42, won three championships in her 20 years with the Phoenix Mercury , who selected her with the first pick in the draft after she led UConn to three college titles.

"Diana Taurasi is one of the greatest competitors to ever play the game of basketball on any stage," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

“She has earned the undisputed respect of players around the world, delivered electrifying moments and captivated fans time and time again.”

The first female basketball player to win six Olympic gold medals, Taurasi amassed 10,646 career points , nearly 3,000 more than the next leading scorer, Tina Charles .

An eleven-time WNBA All-Star, she joined the league in her eighth season and quickly became one of its biggest stars, helping it grow in television popularity thanks to her electrifying play and exceptional three-point shooting ability.

"Diana is the best to ever play the game. I've been a fan of hers my entire life, and she's the ultimate leader and teammate," team owner Mat Ishbia said in a statement.

Taurasi, who became the oldest player to represent the U.S. basketball team at the Olympics last summer in Paris, had long been the subject of retirement rumors and told Time magazine she "just didn't have anything left to give."

“Mentally and physically, I’m full,” the two-time WNBA Finals MVP said. “That’s probably the best way to describe it. I’m full and I’m happy.”

The news prompted an outpouring of tributes from current and retired players, who praised the five-time scoring champion's tenacity and aggressive style of play.