The Portland Fire's initial run from 2000-2002 was a memorable chapter in the WNBA, thanks to the exceptional talent of its players. Here's a spotlight on ten of the standout performers who made the team special during its short but impactful existence:
Sylvia Crawley: A towering presence at 6-foot-5, Crawley dominated with her scoring, rebounding, and blocking abilities. She was the Fire's all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks, leaving a lasting impression in her early days with the team. Crawley's career-high of 25 points in 2000 showcased her scoring prowess, and her leadership extended beyond the court as she transitioned into coaching roles post-Fire.
Jackie Stiles: Stiles, a 5-foot-8 guard, was a fan favorite and the team's lone award winner in its three-year history. Her 3-point shooting skills were exceptional, and she averaged 11.4 points per game. Stiles' career-high 32 points in 2001 against the Los Angeles Sparks demonstrated her ability to take over games. Her transition to coaching post-WNBA career is a testament to her dedication to the sport.
DeMya Walker: Walker, a 6-foot-3 forward, improved significantly in her second year with the Fire, averaging 10.9 points and 5 rebounds. Her top game with the team was a 21-point performance in a victory against the Lynx. Walker's career continued to flourish post-Fire, as she won the WNBA Championship with the Sacramento Monarchs and played for several teams across the league.
Alisa Burras: Burras, the Fire's first-ever player, spent three years with the team, primarily coming off the bench. She had a standout game with a career-high 22 points against the Cleveland Rockers. After the Fire folded, Burras continued her career with the Seattle Storm before retiring.
Sophia Witherspoon: Witherspoon, a 5-foot-10 guard, was an instant game-changer for the Fire. Her 16.8 points per game in 2000 set an all-time single-season record. She was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks mid-season, contributing to their 2002 WNBA Championship win. Witherspoon's career ended after the 2003 season.
Kristin Folkl: Folkl, a 6-foot-2 forward, was a two-sport star at Stanford. She started almost every game in her first year with the Fire, averaging 5.6 points and 7.7 rebounds. Her role shifted to the bench in 2002, and she later played professionally overseas.
Stacey Thomas: Thomas, a 5-foot-10 forward, was a quality starter for the Fire, averaging 5.1 points, 3.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Her rookie season was her best, but she struggled in 2001 when moved to a bench role. Thomas continued her career with the Phoenix Mercury, Detroit Shock, and Minnesota Lynx, winning a championship with the Shock.
Tully Bevilaqua: Bevilaqua, a 5-foot-7 guard, was a free agent signing in 2000 and played all three years with the Fire. She holds the franchise record for assists and steals in a single season. Her top performance included 9 points, 8 assists, and 6 steals against the Cleveland Rockers. Bevilaqua's career continued with the Seattle Storm and Indiana Fever, and she later transitioned into coaching and video analysis roles.
Ukari Figgs: Figgs, a 5-foot-9 guard, had a standout season in 2002, starting 31 of 32 games and averaging 8.5 points and 3.4 assists. Her career-high 22 points in a loss to Sacramento showcased her scoring ability. Figgs was drafted by the Houston Comets post-Fire and retired after the 2003 season.
Vanessa Nygaard: Nygaard, a 6-foot-1 forward, joined the Fire in 2000 and started 28 of 32 games, averaging 7.9 points. Her production dropped in 2001, and she transitioned to a bench role. Nygaard's coaching career began post-WNBA, with roles at Long Beach State, Pepperdine, and Windward High School. She returned to professional coaching with the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury before her firing in 2023.
