Auburn retires DeWanna Bonner’s basketball jersey, just 5th in Tigers’ history
The WNBA player returned to her alma mater for the ultimate athletic honor
City of Auburn recognizes DeWanna Bonner(WTVM)
By WSFA 12 News Staff
Published: Jan. 22, 2024 at 12:23 PM CST
AUBURN, Ala. (WSFA) - In the history of the Auburn’s Women’s Basketball program, only four players have seen their number retired. On Sunday, that number climbed into the rafters alongside the jersey of DeWanna Bonner.
Bonner, who holds the record as the Tigers’ all-time leading scorer, (2,162 points in case you were wondering), watched her No. 24 jersey go up in history Sunday.
The Alabama native, who was the 2009 SEC Player of the Year and a two-time All-American, was in tears as others celebrated her accomplishments inside Auburn’s Neville Arena.
A two-time WNBA champion, Bonner was a First Team All American in 2009 for Auburn before being taken fifth overall in the 2009 Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. She’s had a 13-year career in the league and is currently a forward with the Connecticut Sun.
“It’s really hard to get your jersey under here and retired,” she said in reaction. “It takes a certain kind of athlete, and to think that I’ve done that, I’m going to do that. Awe man, It’s just a huge honor, I’m just so proud and so happy to be up there.”
It wasn’t just Auburn University honoring Bonner. The City of Auburn got in on the action too, declaring Jan. 21 as “DeWanna Bonner Day.”
The city’s proclamation states:
After receiving the city’s proclamation, Bonner had this to say: