Get ready to relive the magic of the Portland Fire, because in 2026, this iconic team is making a comeback to the WNBA! But before the new era begins, let’s take a trip down memory lane to celebrate the players who made the Fire’s initial run from 2000-2002 so unforgettable. These women weren’t just athletes—they were trailblazers who left an indelible mark on Portland’s basketball history. And here’s the part most people miss: their stories are as inspiring off the court as they were on it. Let’s dive in!
Sylvia Crawley: The Unstoppable Force
Standing at 6-foot-5, Sylvia Crawley wasn’t just tall—she was a powerhouse. As the Portland Fire’s all-time leader in points (935), rebounds (522), and blocks (87), she dominated the paint like no other. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite her stellar career, a neck injury cut her time with the San Antonio Silver Stars short after the Fire folded. Did the WNBA do enough to protect its stars? Crawley’s transition to coaching is equally impressive, with stints at North Carolina, Fordham, Ohio, Boston College, and even the Indiana Fever. Fun fact: She’s one of the few to play for both the Portland Fire and the Portland Power, the city’s other legendary women’s team.
Jackie Stiles: The Sharpshooter
Drafted 4th overall in 2001, Jackie Stiles was a scoring machine. Her 3-point shooting was legendary—40.6% accuracy and an average of 11.4 points per game. But what’s often overlooked is her impact beyond the stats. As the WNBA Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2001, she put the Fire on the map. After retiring, she shifted to coaching, working with Loyola Marymount, Missouri State, Oklahoma, and Tulsa. Her legacy? She’s still #12 on the WNBA’s all-time 3-point percentage leaderboard.
DeMya Walker: The Late Bloomer
Signed as a free agent in 2000, DeMya Walker spent her first two years on the bench. But in 2002, she exploded onto the scene, averaging 10.9 points and 5 rebounds per game. Her peak? A 21-point performance in a win against the Lynx. After the Fire folded, she became a WNBA Champion with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005. Her journey took her to the Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics, and New York Liberty before retiring. Talk about perseverance!
Alisa Burras: The Trailblazer
As the Fire’s first-ever draft pick in 2000, Alisa Burras holds a special place in team history. Though primarily a bench player, she dropped a career-high 22 points in a win against the Cleveland Rockers. After the Fire folded, she joined the Seattle Storm but retired in 2003. Her story reminds us that every player, no matter their role, contributes to a team’s legacy.
Sophia Witherspoon: The Game Changer
Drafted right after Burras, Sophia Witherspoon was an instant impact player. In 2000, she averaged 16.8 points per game, a Fire single-season record. Her 31-point outburst against the Minnesota Lynx is still talked about today. Traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002, she won a WNBA Championship but saw limited playing time. She retired in 2003, leaving fans to wonder: What if she’d stayed in Portland?
Kristin Folkl: The Dual Threat
A two-sport star at Stanford, Kristin Folkl brought her versatility to the Fire in 2001. Starting almost every game that year, she averaged 5.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. In 2002, she moved to the bench but remained a key contributor. After the Fire folded, she took her talents overseas. Her story raises a question: How many athletes could excel in multiple sports today?
Stacey Thomas: The Spark Plug
Drafted 23rd overall in 2000, Stacey Thomas was a starter from day one, averaging 5.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. But her rookie year was her peak, as she moved to the bench in 2001. She later won a WNBA Championship with the Detroit Shock in 2003. Her journey highlights the ups and downs of a pro athlete’s career.
Tully Bevilaqua: The Floor General
Signed as a free agent in 2000, Tully Bevilaqua was the Fire’s assist and steal queen. Her 9-point, 8-assist, 6-steal performance against the Cleveland Rockers is legendary. After the Fire folded, she won a championship with the Seattle Storm in 2004 and spent six years with the Indiana Fever. Now, she’s coaching, proving her basketball IQ extends beyond the court.
Ukari Figgs: The Steady Hand
Ukari Figgs only spent one year in Portland, but what a year it was! Starting 31 of 32 games in 2002, she averaged 8.5 points and a team-leading 3.4 assists. Her 22-point game against Sacramento remains a career highlight. After the Fire, she played for the Houston Comets before retiring in 2003. Her consistency was her superpower.
Vanessa Nygaard: The Instant Standout
Joining the Fire in 2000, Vanessa Nygaard started 28 games and averaged 7.9 points per game. Though her production dipped in 2001, she later transitioned to coaching, becoming the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2022. Her firing 12 games into the 2023 season sparked debates about coaching expectations in the WNBA. Now at UC San Diego, her journey is far from over.
The Legacy Lives On
These 10 players didn’t just play for the Portland Fire—they defined it. As the team prepares for its 2026 return, their stories remind us of the grit, talent, and passion that made the Fire special. But here’s the real question: Can the new generation live up to this legacy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—and get ready to welcome the Fire back to the court!
