Get ready to relive the magic of the Portland Fire, because in 2026, this iconic team is making a comeback to the WNBA! It’s been nearly 25 years since the Fire last lit up the court in Portland, and what better way to celebrate their return than by honoring the players who made the team’s initial run (2000-2002) so unforgettable? These athletes didn’t just play the game—they defined an era. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some of these players are celebrated as legends, others remain unsung heroes. Let’s dive into the stories of 10 players who made the Portland Fire special—and trust me, this is the part most people miss.
1. Sylvia Crawley: The Unstoppable Force
Standing at 6-foot-5, Sylvia Crawley wasn’t just tall—she was towering in her impact. As the 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 her story takes a bittersweet turn: after the Fire folded, she was drafted by the San Antonio Silver Stars, only to have her season cut short by a neck injury. Did the WNBA do enough to protect its stars? Crawley’s transition to coaching is equally inspiring—she’s mentored players 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 basketball team.
2. Jackie Stiles: The Sharpshooter
Drafted 4th overall 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 ranks 12th in WNBA history for 3-point percentage. But here’s a question: Did the Fire fully capitalize on her talent? After Portland, Stiles shifted to coaching, working with Loyola Marymount, Missouri State, Oklahoma, and Tulsa. Her legacy raises a bigger issue: How do we ensure stars like Stiles leave a lasting impact beyond their playing days?
3. DeMya Walker: The Late Bloomer
Signed as a free agent in 2000, DeMya Walker spent her first two seasons on the bench before exploding in 2002. That year, she averaged 10.9 points and 5 rebounds per game, earning a finalist spot for Most Improved Player. But her peak came after the Fire folded: with the Sacramento Monarchs, she won a WNBA Championship in 2005. Why did it take leaving Portland for her to shine? Walker’s journey highlights the challenges of player development in short-lived franchises.
4. Alisa Burras: The Trailblazer
As the Fire’s first-ever draft pick, Alisa Burras holds a special place in team history. Though she primarily came off the bench, her 22-point performance in a 2000 victory against the Cleveland Rockers remains legendary. After the Fire folded, she joined the Seattle Storm but retired in 2003. Was her potential fully realized? Burras’ story reminds us of the uncertainty players face when their teams disband.
5. Sophia Witherspoon: The Instant Impact
Drafted right after Burras, Sophia Witherspoon was an immediate game-changer. In 2000, she averaged 16.8 points per game, setting the Fire’s single-season scoring record. But her time in Portland was cut short: she was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2002, where she won a WNBA Championship—though her playing time dwindled. Did the Fire make a mistake letting her go? Her story sparks debates about team loyalty versus player success.
6. Kristin Folkl: The Two-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. But in 2002, she was relegated to the bench. After the Fire folded, she took her talents overseas. Was the WNBA ready for multi-sport athletes like Folkl? Her career raises questions about the league’s ability to accommodate unique talents.
7. Stacey Thomas: The Rookie Phenom
Drafted 23rd overall in 2000, Stacey Thomas started strong, averaging 5.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. But her production dropped sharply in 2001, and she never regained her rookie form. After the Fire, she won a WNBA Championship with the Detroit Shock in 2003. Why did her star fade in Portland? Thomas’ story is a cautionary tale about the pressures of professional sports.
8. Tully Bevilaqua: The Floor General
Tully Bevilaqua was the Fire’s engine, holding franchise records for assists and steals in a single season. Her 2000 performance against the Cleveland Rockers—9 points, 8 assists, 6 steals—remains iconic. After the Fire, she won championships with the Seattle Storm (2004) and played six seasons with the Indiana Fever. But here’s a bold question: Was she underappreciated during her time in Portland? Bevilaqua’s post-playing career as a coach and video associate shows her enduring love for the game.
9. Ukari Figgs: The Steady Hand
Ukari Figgs only spent one year in Portland, but her impact was immense. In 2002, she started 31 of 32 games, averaging 8.5 points and a team-leading 3.4 assists. Her 22-point outburst against Sacramento in 2002 remains a career highlight. After the Fire, she played for the Houston Comets before retiring in 2003. Did she leave too soon? Figgs’ story highlights the fleeting nature of WNBA careers.
10. Vanessa Nygaard: The Instant Standout
Vanessa Nygaard made waves in 2000, starting 28 of 32 games and averaging 7.9 points per game. But her production dipped in 2001, and she was traded to Miami in 2002. After her playing career, Nygaard transitioned to coaching, most recently as head coach of the Phoenix Mercury—though she was fired 12 games into the 2023 season. Her journey raises a critical question: Are former players given enough support in their coaching careers?
As the Portland Fire prepares for its 2026 return, these players’ legacies remind us of the team’s rich history. But their stories also challenge us to think about the WNBA’s past, present, and future. Who do you think was the most impactful player? And what lessons should the league learn from the Fire’s initial run? Let the debate begin!
