San Antonio Silver Stars guard Tully Bevilaqua to retire at end of the season

From the Silver Stars:

San Antonio Silver Stars guard Tully Bevilaqua has announced that she will retire at the conclusion of the 2012 season. A 14-year WNBA veteran, Bevilaqua has played in 449 career games, notching more than 1,900 points and is one of only four players to record 800 career assists and 500 career steals.

"It is with both sadness and excitement that I am officially announcing my retirement at the end of the 2012 WNBA season," Bevilaqua said. "I have been honored to play in this league for 14 years but am excited to make my house a home and spend more time with my family. Thank you to the San Antonio Silver Stars organization for giving me the opportunity to play out my career in the Silver & Black and of course a big thank you to all my fans for all your support. Your chants will always be remembered… Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi."

A native of Australia, Bevilaqua began her WNBA career with the Cleveland Rockers in 1998 after playing professionally in Australia’s WNBL since 1991. She spent three seasons with the Portland Fire (2000-02) and two with Seattle (2003-04), helping the Storm to a WNBA Championship in 2004.

A six-time WNBA All-Defensive Team honoree, Bevilaqua spent six seasons (2005-10) with the Indiana Fever, helping the team to five playoff appearances, including three Eastern Conference Finals bids. She joined the Silver Stars as a free agent prior to the 2011 season and played in all 37 games, averaging 2.9 points with 1.4 rebounds per game while ranking sixth in the WNBA in assist to turnover ratio (2.2). She has played in all 12 games to date this season.

"Tully has been one of the best defenders and competitors this league has seen," head coach and general manager Dan Hughes said. "She has messaged insanity and dedication on the court, in the locker room and in all the communities she has played."