EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Move over, Hall of Fame—Kayla Thornton’s high school jersey just called it quits. And no, it’s not because she’s worn it out from endless WNBA domination. On Tuesday night, the 2024 WNBA champion (yes, she helped the New York Liberty win the title, NBD) strolled back to her old stomping grounds, Irvin High School, for a jersey retirement ceremony that left her #11 encased in glass—right where it belongs.
Thornton, who graduated from Irvin in 2010, graciously stopped by to peel back the cover of her hallowed jersey at halftime during the Irvin girls’ basketball game against Anthony. Imagine the pressure on the players who now have to perform under the shadow of greatness—no big deal, just Kayla Thornton’s jersey staring down at them.
The gym, now blessed with the presence of her framed jersey, is officially a place of worship for any hoop dreamers in El Paso. You know, if your dream is to become a WNBA champ and turn your jersey into a wall decoration.
Before gracing the Liberty’s championship run, Thornton cut her teeth at UTEP, where she didn’t just play basketball—she rewrote the program’s history books. We’re talking leading scorer of all time (1,679 points, folks!) and a whole laundry list of records that’ll take more than a solid decade to break. Rebounds? Double-doubles? Free throws? All Thornton. If you’re into stats, she’s basically the LeBron of UTEP.
Speaking of UTEP, they’re not done with her yet. The Miners will roll out the red carpet for Thornton one more time this Sunday, Nov. 10, at their women’s basketball game against Morehead State. Apparently, they couldn’t wait to hang her jersey in the Haskins Center rafters. It’s safe to say Thornton’s jersey has a pretty impressive real estate portfolio now—both high school and college immortality. Move over, Michelangelo, the real art is in El Paso.
And just in case you forgot how legendary she is, Nov. 10 has now officially been declared “Kayla Thornton Day” in the Sun City. Don’t worry, you still have time to put together a last-minute Kayla-themed parade float or bake some cookies shaped like the number 11. It’s only right.
As for Thornton? She’s probably off preparing for next season, adding another trophy to her collection, or maybe just casually revolutionizing the game of basketball. No big deal.
Stay tuned, El Paso. The legend of Kayla Thornton isn’t going anywhere.
