Get ready to relive the magic of the Portland Fire, because in 2026, this iconic team is making a comeback to the WNBA after nearly 25 years of absence. For new fans and old, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the players who made the Fire’s initial run from 2000-2002 so unforgettable. Here’s a deep dive into the stars who lit up the court and left an indelible mark on Portland’s basketball history—plus a few surprises that might just spark some debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some players are celebrated as legends, others’ legacies are still up for discussion. Let’s dive in!
Sylvia Crawley: The Unstoppable Force
Standing at 6-foot-5, Sylvia Crawley wasn’t just tall—she was towering in her impact. As the Portland Fire’s all-time leader in points (935), rebounds (522), and blocks (87), Crawley was the heart and soul of the team’s early days. But did you know she also juggled coaching while playing? That’s right—while dominating the WNBA, she served as an assistant coach for her alma mater, North Carolina. After the Fire folded, her career took a tragic turn with a neck injury, but she pivoted to coaching full-time, leading teams like Ohio and Boston College. Fun fact: Crawley is one of the few players to have suited up for both the Portland Fire and the Portland Power, the city’s other legendary women’s basketball team. Talk about versatility!
Jackie Stiles: The Sharpshooter
Drafted as the No. 4 pick in 2001, Jackie Stiles was a scoring machine. She wasn’t just the WNBA Rookie of the Year—she was also the Fire’s lone All-Star during their three-year run. Known for her deadly 3-point accuracy (40.6% career average), Stiles is still No. 12 on the WNBA’s all-time 3-point percentage leaderboard. But here’s the part most people miss: after retiring in 2012, she transitioned seamlessly into coaching, working with teams like Loyola Marymount and her alma mater, Missouri State. Question for you: Is Stiles the greatest 3-point shooter in WNBA history? Let’s hear your thoughts!
DeMya Walker: The Late Bloomer
Signed as a free agent in 2000, DeMya Walker spent her first two seasons on the bench before exploding onto the scene in 2002. That year, she averaged 10.9 points and five rebounds per game, earning a finalist spot for Most Improved Player. After the Fire folded, she became a WNBA champion with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005. Controversial take: Was Walker underutilized in Portland, or did she simply need time to find her rhythm? Share your opinion below!
Alisa Burras: The Trailblazer
As the Fire’s first-ever draft pick in 2000, Alisa Burras holds a special place in team history. Though she primarily came off the bench, she had a career-high 22-point game in 2000 that cemented her legacy. After the Fire folded, she joined the Seattle Storm but retired in 2003. Did you know? Burras’s role as a rotational player often goes overlooked, but her impact on the team’s early identity is undeniable.
Sophia Witherspoon: The Instant Game-Changer
Drafted right after Burras, Sophia Witherspoon wasted no time making her mark. In 2000, she averaged a staggering 16.8 points per game, becoming the Fire’s all-time single-season scoring leader. Traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002, she won a WNBA championship but saw limited playing time. Bold question: Was trading Witherspoon one of the Fire’s biggest mistakes? Let’s debate!
Kristin Folkl: The Two-Sport Star
Before joining the Fire in 2001, Kristin Folkl was a volleyball and basketball standout at Stanford. In her first year with the Fire, she started almost every game, averaging 5.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. However, her role shifted to the bench in 2002, and she later played overseas after the team folded. Fun fact: Folkl’s dual-sport background makes her one of the most unique athletes in WNBA history.
Stacey Thomas: The Rookie Phenom
Drafted 23rd overall in 2000, Stacey Thomas had a stellar rookie season, averaging 5.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. However, her production dipped in 2001 when she moved to a bench role. After the Fire folded, she won a WNBA championship with the Detroit Shock in 2003. Controversial thought: Was Thomas’s potential squandered in Portland, or did she simply hit her peak early?
Tully Bevilaqua: The Floor General
Signed as a free agent in 2000, Tully Bevilaqua was the Fire’s assist and steal queen, holding franchise records in both categories. Her standout performance came in 2000, with nine points, eight assists, and six steals in a single game. After the Fire folded, she won championships with the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever. Did you know? Bevilaqua transitioned to coaching, serving as an assistant for the Mercury in 2023.
Ukari Figgs: The Steady Hand
Though she only spent one year in Portland, Ukari Figgs was a cornerstone of the 2002 roster. Starting 31 of 32 games, she averaged 8.5 points and a team-leading 3.4 assists. After the Fire folded, she retired in 2003 but left a lasting impression. Bold question: Was Figgs the most underrated player on the 2002 roster?
Vanessa Nygaard: The Instant Standout
Joining the Fire in 2000, Vanessa Nygaard started 28 of 32 games in her rookie season, averaging 7.9 points per game. However, her playing time decreased in 2001, and she was traded to Miami in 2002. After retiring, she became a coach, most recently leading the Phoenix Mercury in 2022-2023. Controversial take: Was Nygaard’s coaching career more impactful than her playing days? Let’s discuss!
As the Portland Fire prepares for its 2026 return, these players remind us why the team’s legacy is worth celebrating. But here’s the ultimate question: Which of these stars deserves a spot in the WNBA Hall of Fame? Share your picks in the comments—we want to hear from you!
