When talking about sharing the basketball, Thornton has 312 dimes, as well as contributing 217 steals and 77 rejections. She has an average of 4.3 boards and 1.2 dimes per game. She has compiled 1,109 boards in total in her WNBA career by way of 733 on the defensive end and 376 of the offensive variety. Holding an eFG% of 48.5%, she has also earned 235 turnovers and tallied 565 personal fouls. Thornton has a 84.0% percentage from the charity stripe by making 351 out of her 418 shot attempts. She has recorded a 47.9% shooting percentage of by converting 430 out of 898 shots. With 657 long distance attempts during her career, she has a shooting percentage of 32.9% by making 216 of those tries. Sitting with a shooting % of 41.5%, Thornton has converted 646 baskets out of her 1,555 attempts. She dishes out 1.8 assists, snags 6.5 rebounds and accounts for 10.9 per 36 mins. Thornton has scored 1,859 points so far in her WNBA career, is averaging 7.2 points/G and got the starting nod in 141 games. Kayla Thornton has earned 6,117 mins and has taken part in 259 contests in her pro basketball career.
Kayla Thornton Stats
| Year | Team | Pts | Reb | Ast | Stl | Blk | G | Min | FG | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | FT% | PPG | APG | RPG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 1,859 | 1,109 | 312 | 217 | 77 | 259 | 6,117 | 646 | 41.5% | 32.9% | 47.9% | 84.0% | 7.2 | 1.2 | 4.3 | 0.8 | |
| 2024 | NYL | 153 | 58 | 18 | 20 | 5 | 25 | 493 | 52 | 40.6% | 38.8% | 43.8% | 81.8% | 6.1 | 0.7 | 2.3 | 0.8 |
| 2023 | NYL | 178 | 141 | 27 | 28 | 10 | 40 | 693 | 65 | 43.3% | 31.3% | 57.1% | 76.7% | 4.5 | 0.7 | 3.5 | 0.7 |
| 2022 | DAL | 287 | 211 | 65 | 39 | 20 | 36 | 1,050 | 97 | 47.1% | 32.9% | 55.4% | 82.9% | 8.0 | 1.8 | 5.9 | 1.1 |
| 2021 | DAL | 233 | 173 | 45 | 26 | 7 | 31 | 857 | 83 | 42.1% | 34.9% | 45.5% | 84.9% | 7.5 | 1.5 | 5.6 | 0.8 |
| 2020 | DAL | 161 | 113 | 17 | 19 | 4 | 22 | 557 | 54 | 42.9% | 34.7% | 53.7% | 87.5% | 7.3 | 0.8 | 5.1 | 0.9 |
| 2019 | DAL | 280 | 143 | 48 | 25 | 8 | 27 | 822 | 99 | 34.3% | 27.2% | 38.2% | 93.1% | 10.4 | 1.8 | 5.3 | 0.9 |
| 2018 | DAL | 314 | 137 | 62 | 35 | 12 | 34 | 971 | 114 | 44.7% | 35.5% | 53.0% | 86.0% | 9.2 | 1.8 | 4.0 | 1.0 |
| 2017 | DAL | 231 | 112 | 29 | 22 | 8 | 34 | 586 | 73 | 41.2% | 27.9% | 48.3% | 80.0% | 6.8 | 0.9 | 3.3 | 0.6 |
| 2015 | WAS | 22 | 21 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 88 | 9 | 33.3% | 0.0% | 34.6% | 66.7% | 2.2 | 0.1 | 2.1 | 0.3 |
2024 Stats for Kayla Thornton
| Stat | Value | WNBA Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Games | 25 | 23rd |
| Games Started | 9 | 72nd |
| Minutes Played | 493 | 55th |
| Field Goals Made | 52 | 63rd |
| Field Goals Attempted | 128 | 61st |
| Field Goal Percentage | 40.6% | 85th |
| 3-Pointers Made | 31 | 25th |
| 3-Pointers Attempted | 80 | 31st |
| 3-Point Percentage | 38.8% | 26th |
| 2-Point Field Goals Made | 21 | 91st |
| 2-Point Field Goals Attempted | 48 | 87th |
| 2-Point Field Goal Percentage | 43.8% | 95th |
| Free Throws Made | 18 | 71st |
| Free Throws Attempted | 22 | 76th |
| Free Throw Percentage | 81.8% | 53rd |
| Offensive Rebounds | 21 | 36th |
| Total Rebounds | 58 | 66th |
| Assists | 18 | 96th |
| Steals | 20 | 46th |
| Blocks | 5 | 76th |
| Turnovers | 8 | 119th |
| Personal Fouls | 35 | 69th |
| Total Points | 153 | 57th |
| Points Per Game | 6.1 | 73rd |
| Rebounds Per Game | 2.3 | 82nd |
| Assists Per Game | 0.7 | 112th |
Kayla Thornton has gradually ascended to prominence in the basketball world
through her grit, resilience, and sheer talent. Her journey offers a lens
into the ever-evolving landscape of women’s basketball, reflecting not just
her individual successes but also the broader changes and advancements
within the sport.
In tracing the path of Kayla Thornton’s history with basketball, one first
must appreciate the context in which her career gained momentum. Women’s
basketball has often been overshadowed by the men’s game, receiving less
media coverage and fewer financial endorsements. Nonetheless, the last few
decades have seen significant strides towards gender equality in sports.
Title IX, enacted in 1972, mandated greater equality in funding for mens
and womens sports programs, acting as a catalyst for growth in women’s
sports. The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), established in
1996, further propelled women’s basketball into the mainstream. Kayla
Thornton emerged within this evolving landscape, making her mark in a space
conducive to recognizing and celebrating female athletes’ accomplishments.
Kayla’s journey began in El Paso, Texas, where she first exhibited her
potential on the high school courts of Irvin High School. Her exceptional
athleticism and basketball IQ quickly set her apart. During her high school
career, Kayla was a multi-sport athlete, excelling not only in basketball
but also in track and volleyball. This all-rounded athletic foundation
significantly contributed to her adaptability and skill in basketball.
Upon graduating from high school, Kayla Thornton continued her basketball
journey at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Her tenure at UTEP was
marked by numerous individual accolades and team achievements. Kayla’s
relentless work ethic and dedication saw her setting records and earning
recognition throughout her college career. She left UTEP not just as a
notable player, but as a symbol of perseverance and determination
qualities that would define her professional career.
Thornton went undrafted in the 2014 WNBA draft, a significant hurdle that
could have ended her professional aspirations. However, her determination
led her to sign as a free agent with the Washington Mystics, although she
didn’t make the final roster cut. This setback didnt deter her; instead, it
fueled her ambition. Kayla continued to refine her craft, playing in various
international leagues. These stints honed her skills further and gave her
invaluable experience.
Returning to the WNBA, Kayla Thornton found her footing with the Dallas
Wings. Her defensive prowess and ability to play as a versatile forward
quickly made her an asset to the team. Coach Fred Williams recognized her
potential, and she began to flourish in a supporting role, gradually earning
more minutes on the court. Over time, Kayla’s contributions proved pivotal,
and she became known for her defensive stops, aggressive rebounding, and
energy-infused performances.
Kayla Thornton’s history is not just about a single players achievements;
it reflects the broader narrative of women’s basketball development. Several
key figures have significantly shaped and influenced her journey. Key among
them are fellow athletes, coaches, and mentors who guided and motivated her
to strive for excellence. Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tamika Catchings,
trailblazers in women’s basketball, set benchmarks for success and
professionalism. Their legacies paved the way for athletes like Kayla to
dream big and break barriers.
Furthermore, the unsung heroes of her career, such as her high school and
college coaches, played instrumental roles in nurturing her talent and
instilling discipline. They recognized her potential and worked tirelessly
to ensure she had the skills, mindset, and opportunities needed to succeed.
This support system is a crucial aspect of Kayla Thornton’s basketball
history, demonstrating the collaborative effort required to nurture elite
talent.
The impact of Kayla Thornton’s basketball history extends beyond her
personal achievements. Her resilience and journey underscore the importance
of perseverance in the face of adversity. Kayla’s story resonates with many
aspiring athletes, offering a testament that setbacks are merely setups for
greater comebacks. Her tenacity, especially in overcoming the disappointment
of going undrafted, is a significant source of inspiration.
Moreover, Kayla’s success has broader implications for women’s basketball.
Her growing prominence helps elevate the visibility of female athletes,
challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers. In an industry that often
marginalizes women’s accomplishments, Kayla Thornton’s journey provides a
fresh narrative of success, determination, and resilience. It also
highlights the more significant efforts required to achieve gender parity in
sports, underlining the necessity of continued advocacy, support, and
investment in womens athletics.
While celebrating the positives, its also essential to consider the
challenges and criticisms within Kayla Thornton’s basketball history. The
journey of many female athletes, including Kayla, is often fraught with
systemic barriers and inequalities. These challenges include unequal pay,
less media coverage, and limited endorsement opportunities compared to their
male counterparts. Addressing these issues is crucial for fostering a more
equitable sports environment that allows talents like Kayla Thornton to
thrive without facing undue disparities.
Additionally, the physical and mental toll of professional sports is another
aspect worth examining. Athletes are frequently glorified, but the pressures
and expectations they bear can have significant consequences. Injuries,
mental health struggles, and the perpetual demand for peak performance are
realities that cannot be ignored. Kayla Thornton, like many athletes, has
had to navigate these pressures, balancing her passion for basketball with
the need for self-care and mental well-being.
Looking forward, the future developments related to Kayla Thornton’s
basketball history seem promising. As womens basketball continues to grow
in popularity and recognition, athletes like Kayla stand to benefit from and
contribute to this positive trajectory. The increasing visibility of womens
sports opens up new avenues for endorsements, media coverage, and fan
engagement, potentially leading to a more supportive and lucrative
environment for female athletes.
Further, the role of technology and digital platforms in sports cannot be
understated. Social media and digital marketing offer athletes greater
control over their personal brands and narratives, allowing them to connect
directly with fans and build support communities. This digital evolution
offers exciting possibilities for Kayla Thornton and her peers to amplify
their impact and advocate for issues they are passionate about.
In conclusion, the history of Kayla Thornton in basketball is a narrative
rich with lessons of resilience, hard work, and transformation. Her journey
serves as a microcosm of the broader developments within womens basketball,
reflecting both the progress made and the challenges that remain. By
examining her story, one gains a deeper understanding of the intricacies
involved in forging a successful athletic career against the backdrop of
systemic disparities. Kayla Thornton’s history is not just a tale of
personal achievement but a beacon of inspiration and a call for continued
advocacy and equality in sports. This narrative encourages us to celebrate
the strides made while acknowledging the work still needed to create a truly
equitable sports environment.