Since 2008, Sylvia Fowles has been in the WNBA, creating a name for herself. From her time as a post at LSU, Fowles has been a force down low and as a pro, that domination never stopped. As the saying goes, all great things must come to an end, and that shift has come for Fowles after announcing before the season, that this would be her final year in the WNBA.

Minnesota has officially been eliminated from the playoffs, meaning Fowles is done playing. The Lynx center ends her career, finishing the 2022 campaign by averaging 14.6 points per game, 9.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.

With Minnesota officially done, the league and its fans say farewell to Fowles. The No. 2 overall pick from the Class of 2008 (drafted by Chicago) is ready to embark on the next phase in her life – leaving behind an impactful career in the league.

Fowles leaves the game with two WNBA titles – named Finals MVP both times – and four Olympic Gold Medals are a few of her biggest accomplishments while gracing the court. Statistically, she retires as the league’s leader in total rebounds, field goal percentage, and double-doubles. Her play will be missed as she was one with some of the best footwork in the league, unmatched work ethic and a player across the league who everyone knew was a sweetheart off the court despite her aggression as a competitor.

In her final game today, she made history becoming the first WNBA player to pull down 4,000 rebounds

“Sweet Syl” – a nickname that has stuck for Fowles – will be transitioning to become a mortician. In fact, she has been working to get her funeral service degree since 2015. For the past two offseasons, she has been assisting Bobby Hicks at Royal Funeral Service Inc. in Miami with the restoration and cosmetology of the bodies.

It’s a career path not typically heard of for former athletes, however, just like when she was on the court, Fowles will put her best foot forward. She’s a WNBA star who will be missed by the competition next season.

Accolades:

• WNBA Champion (2015, 2017)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2015, 2017)
• WNBA Most Valuable Player (2017)
• 4x WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
• 3x All-WNBA First Team
• 4x All-WNBA Second Team
• 8x WNBA All-Defensive First Team
• 2x WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008)
• 8x WNBA All-Star selection
• WNBA’s career leader in rebounds (3,712) and FG percentage (59.7%) [numbers prior to the conclusion of 2022 season]
• Set WNBA single-season records for rebounds (404), defensive rebounds (282) and rebounds per game (11.9) in 2018
• Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012, 2016, 2021) – one of six players to have won four Olympic gold medals
• FIBA World Championship Gold Medalist (2010)