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 truly 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 into the lives of 10 players who defined the Portland Fire’s legacy.
Sylvia Crawley: The Unstoppable Force
Standing at 6-foot-5, Sylvia Crawley wasn’t just tall—she was towering in talent. As the Fire’s all-time leader in points (935), rebounds (522), and blocks (87), she was the heart and soul of the team. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite her dominance, Crawley’s career was cut short by a neck injury after the Fire folded in 2003. Did the WNBA do enough to protect its stars? Crawley’s transition to coaching is equally remarkable. From assistant roles at North Carolina and Fordham to head coaching stints at Ohio and Boston College, she’s proven she’s a leader on and off the court. Fun fact: Crawley played for both the Portland Fire and the Portland Power, cementing her status as a local legend.
Jackie Stiles: The Sharpshooter
Drafted 4th overall in 2001, Jackie Stiles was a scoring machine. Her 3-point shooting was legendary—she’s still ranked 12th in WNBA history for career 3-point percentage (40.6%). But what’s often overlooked is her impact beyond the stats. Stiles was the Fire’s only WNBA Rookie of the Year and an All-Star in 2001. After retiring, she shifted to coaching, mentoring the next generation at schools like Loyola Marymount and her alma mater, Missouri State. Her legacy? She proved that size doesn’t matter when you’ve got skill.
DeMya Walker: The Late Bloomer
Signed as a free agent in 2000, DeMya Walker spent her first two seasons on the bench. But in 2002, she exploded onto the scene, averaging 10.9 points and 5 rebounds per game. Her breakout performance? A 21-point game in a victory against the Lynx. After the Fire folded, Walker became a WNBA champion with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005. Her journey raises a question: do teams undervalue players who develop later in their careers?
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, her 22-point game in 2000 remains a franchise record. After the Fire disbanded, Burras played for the Seattle Storm before retiring in 2003. Her story reminds us that every team needs a foundation—and she was the Fire’s cornerstone.
Sophia Witherspoon: The Game Changer
Drafted right after Burras, Sophia Witherspoon was an instant impact player. In 2000, she averaged a staggering 16.8 points per game, still the Fire’s single-season scoring record. Her 31-point performance in 2000 is stuff of legend. Traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002, she won a WNBA championship but saw limited playing time. Her career prompts a debate: do teams prioritize winning over player development?
Kristin Folkl: The Dual-Sport Star
Kristin Folkl wasn’t just a basketball player—she was a volleyball star at Stanford too. Traded to the Fire in 2001, she started almost every game that season, averaging 5.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. Her versatility was unmatched, but her WNBA career was short-lived. After the Fire folded, she played overseas. Her story challenges us: can athletes truly excel in multiple sports at the professional level?
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. But her production dropped sharply in 2001 when she was moved to the bench. After the Fire disbanded, she won a WNBA championship with the Detroit Shock in 2003. Her career arc raises a question: do teams mishandle young talent?
Tully Bevilaqua: The Playmaker
Signed as a free agent in 2000, Tully Bevilaqua was the Fire’s floor general. She holds franchise records for assists and steals in a single season. Her 9-point, 8-assist, 6-steal performance in 2000 is still talked about. After the Fire folded, she won championships with the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever. Now a coach, Bevilaqua’s transition from player to mentor is seamless. But here’s a thought: are former players the best coaches?
Ukari Figgs: The Steady Hand
Ukari Figgs only played one season with the Fire, but her impact was immense. Starting 31 of 32 games in 2002, she averaged 8.5 points and a team-leading 3.4 assists. Her 22-point game in 2002 remains a career high. After the Fire folded, she played for the Houston Comets before retiring in 2003. Her story highlights the importance of consistency—but do teams value it enough?
Vanessa Nygaard: The Instant Standout
Vanessa Nygaard joined the Fire in 2000 and started 28 games, averaging 7.9 points per game. Though her production dipped in 2001, she later became a coach, most notably as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury in 2022-2023. Her firing 12 games into the 2023 season sparked debate: is the WNBA too quick to dismiss coaches? Now coaching at UC San Diego, Nygaard’s journey is far from over.
Final Thoughts
These 10 players didn’t just play for the Portland Fire—they defined it. Their stories are a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of leaving a legacy. But as we celebrate their achievements, let’s also ask: what could have been if the Fire hadn’t folded? And as the team returns in 2026, will the new generation live up to the standards set by these pioneers? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going!
