Get ready for a blast from the past as we dive into the history of the Portland Fire, a team that's making a comeback to the WNBA in 2026! It's been a quarter of a century since the Fire last graced the courts of Portland, and it's time to introduce the new fans to the legends who made this team so special.
A Journey Back to the Fire's Initial Run
The Portland Fire's inaugural run from 2000 to 2002 was packed with talent and memorable moments. Let's explore some of the key players who left an indelible mark on the team's legacy.
Sylvia Crawley: The Fire's All-Time Leader
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Sylvia Crawley dominated the court for the Portland Fire. She holds the team's records for points, rebounds, and blocks, making her an undeniable force. However, her journey with the Fire came to an abrupt end when the team folded, and she was sent to the San Antonio Silver Stars. Unfortunately, a neck injury sidelined her for most of that season. But Crawley's impact on the Fire was undeniable, especially when she scored a career-high 25 points in a game against the Utah Starzz. After her playing days, Crawley transitioned into coaching, leaving her mark on several teams, including her alma mater, North Carolina.
Jackie Stiles: Rookie of the Year and 3-Point Wizard
Jackie Stiles, the fourth pick in the 2001 WNBA Draft, was a shining star for the Fire. She earned a spot in the WNBA All-Star Game and took home the Rookie of the Year award, a testament to her skills. Stiles was renowned for her exceptional 3-point shooting, ranking 12th in the WNBA's career 3-point percentage leaderboard. Her career-high scoring performance of 32 points, including four 3-pointers, against the Los Angeles Sparks, is a moment that Fire fans still cherish. Stiles later pursued a coaching career, leaving her mark on various teams, including her alma mater, Missouri State.
DeMya Walker: Rising from the Bench to All-Star Status
DeMya Walker joined the Fire as a free agent in 2000 and spent her first two years as a bench player. But in 2002, she emerged as a key player, averaging impressive stats and even earning a nomination for Most Improved Player. Her top performance with the Fire came in a victory against the Lynx, where she scored 21 points. After the Fire's closure, Walker found success with the Sacramento Monarchs, winning the WNBA Championship in 2005. Her journey took her to various WNBA teams before she hung up her jersey.
Alisa Burras: The Fire's First Pick
Alisa Burras holds the honor of being the Fire's first-ever draft pick. While she mostly played off the bench, she had her moment in the spotlight when she scored a career-high 22 points in a victory against the Cleveland Rockers. After the Fire folded, Burras continued her career with the Seattle Storm before retiring.
Sophia Witherspoon: An Immediate Game Changer
Drafted after Burras, Sophia Witherspoon made an immediate impact for the Fire. She led the team in scoring during the 2000 season, a record that still stands. Her career-high scoring performance of 31 points against the Minnesota Lynx is a testament to her talent. Witherspoon later joined the Los Angeles Sparks, winning the WNBA Championship in 2002. She retired after the 2003 season.
Kristin Folkl: A Two-Sport Star
Kristin Folkl, a two-sport star at Stanford, joined the Fire after being traded from the Lynx. She started almost every game in her first year with the Fire, showcasing her skills on the court. In 2002, she transitioned to a bench role. After the Fire's closure, Folkl continued her basketball journey overseas.
Stacey Thomas: A Quality Starter
Stacey Thomas, drafted 23rd overall by the Fire, quickly established herself as a starter, contributing significantly to the team. However, her role changed in 2001, and she moved to the bench. After the Fire's disbandment, Thomas played for several other WNBA teams, including the Phoenix Mercury and the Detroit Shock, winning the WNBA Championship with the Shock in 2003.
Tully Bevilaqua: Franchise Record Holder
Tully Bevilaqua, a free agent signing in 2000, played for the Fire for all three years of its initial run. She holds the franchise record for career assists and steals in a single season. One of her standout performances came in a victory against the Cleveland Rockers, where she scored nine points and contributed eight assists and six steals. After the Fire folded, Bevilaqua continued her WNBA career with the Seattle Storm and the Indiana Fever, winning championships with both teams. She later transitioned into coaching, working with the Mercury and the Fever.
Ukari Figgs: A Crucial Piece of the 2002 Roster
Ukari Figgs spent just one year in Portland but made a significant impact on the 2002 Fire roster. She was a consistent starter, leading the team in assists. Her career-high scoring performance of 22 points against Sacramento is a memorable moment. After the 2002 season, Figgs was drafted by Houston and had a successful stint with the Comets before retiring.
Vanessa Nygaard: An Instant Standout
Vanessa Nygaard joined the Fire in 2000 and quickly became a standout player. She started most games that season, averaging impressive stats. Her production dipped in 2001, but she found a new role as a key player for the Miami Sol after being traded. After her playing career, Nygaard transitioned into coaching, working with various teams, including the San Antonio Stars and Windward High School. She returned to professional coaching with the Las Vegas Aces and later became the head coach of the Phoenix Mercury. However, her tenure with the Mercury was short-lived, and she now coaches at UC San Diego.
As we reflect on the Portland Fire's initial run, it's clear that these players left an indelible mark on the team's history. Their stories, filled with triumphs and challenges, showcase the rich tapestry of the WNBA. And as the Fire prepares for its comeback, it's a reminder that sometimes the best stories are those that have been waiting in the wings.
So, what do you think? Are there any players you'd like to see make a comeback with the Fire? Or perhaps there's a different perspective on these legends that you'd like to share? Let's spark a conversation in the comments!
