PHOENIX — Two-time WNBA Champion DeWanna Bonner posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on her year in the league.
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Jul 25, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) gestures after making a three-point shot in the second quarter against the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
“So much can change in a year,” she writes. “When I look back, I’m amazed by the journey, the highs, the lessons, the pivots, and the quiet wins that didn’t always make the timeline.”
Bonner has been open about her difficult year, during which she faced online scrutiny after returning to the Phoenix Mercury midseason. The news spread throughout the WNBA and remained a trending topic for the rest of the season and into the offseason.
Indiana Fever forward DeWanna Bonner (25) celebrates a 3-pointer Tuesday, June 3, 2025, during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. © Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Mercury forward initially signed a one-year deal with the Indiana Fever, brought in for her veteran scoring and leadership on a roster built around rising star Caitlin Clark.
However, things went off track during the summer. Bonner appeared in only nine games for the Fever, averaging career lows in scoring and rebounds, and left the team for “personal reasons.” She was waived on June 25 and rejoined the team that originally drafted her on July 8.
In her time back in the desert, Bonner averaged 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.
Now, the two-time WNBA Champion looks back at her year and is grateful.
Phoenix Mercury players gather around teammate DeWanna Bonner as she is announced as the third all-time scorer in the WNBA before they play the Los Angeles Sparks at PHX Arena in Phoenix, on Sept. 9, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
“This year tested me, stretched me, and reminded me what it means to stand tall as a woman, an athlete, and a force in my own right,” Bonner writes. “I kept my faith first, loved hard, stayed grounded in my craft, and kept showing up even when it wasn’t easy.”
Many WNBA players have shown support on her post, including Chicago Sky star Angel Reese.
“You are the WOMAN we all inspire to be,” Reese writes. “From your craft to your motherhood to you just being a beautiful amazing human being. You always have a lil sis in me.”
“DB I’ve always looked up to you and admire you as a person and player!” Natasha Howard, a former Fever teammate, also writes. “I’m so proud of you… Thank you for always pouring in me on and off the court. Keep being the bright light you are.”
Sep 28, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) reacts after scoring against the Minnesota Lynx in the second half during game four of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
Bonner’s candid post highlights overcoming not only the physical demands of the sport but also the emotional challenges. While she has not spoken publicly about her fallout in Indiana, the Mercury forward has said she feels back at home in Phoenix and has regained her love for the game since returning.
Concluding her 16th season in the league, many online have speculated that the post could hint at Bonner’s retirement, though she has not commented on it.
A tough shot for DeWanna Bonner with an assist from Alyssa Thomas in the second quarter!
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“I’m thankful for the people who see me, support me, and love me for me,” writes Bonner. “And walking into what’s next with faith, peace, and purpose.”
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
