Kia Vaughn’s WNBA Journey: From Liberty Draft Pick to Mercury Contributor
Phoenix Mercury fans remember Kia Vaughn as a valuable contributor during a competitive era, but her professional basketball career spanned multiple teams and leagues before her retirement.
Vaughn entered the WNBA as the eighth overall pick in the 2009 draft, selected by the New York Liberty. During her initial stint with the Liberty, spanning five seasons with a brief return in between time with the Washington Mystics, she showcased significant growth, culminating in being named the 2011 WNBA Most Improved Player after averaging 10.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 assists. She also found success internationally, winning championships with Turkish Super League teams during a year away from the WNBA in 2019.
In 2020, Vaughn joined the Phoenix Mercury, playing a key role in their successful 13-9 season, which was shortened due to the pandemic. She started in 10 of 22 games, averaging 6.1 points and 3.6 rebounds, and elevated her performance in the playoffs, averaging 11.0 points and six rebounds. She continued with the Mercury in 2021, appearing in 28 games before being traded to the Atlanta Dream, where she ultimately concluded her WNBA career. Her contributions helped solidify the Mercury as a consistent playoff contender during a pivotal period for the franchise.
The Mercury organization acknowledged Vaughn’s impact, recognizing her as a part of the team’s history. You can read more about past Mercury players here. The WNBA continues to evolve, with players increasingly experiencing careers across multiple franchises, as detailed by the official WNBA website.
Following her trade to the Dream, Vaughn retired, leaving behind a legacy of versatility and dedication to the sport.
