WNBA Phoenix Mercury

Lisa Harrison Retires, Joins Mercury Coaching Staff

Published on April 26, 2004 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release


Phoenix, Ariz. - The Phoenix Mercury announced today that veteran forward Lisa Harrison has retired from an eight-year professional basketball career. Upon retiring, Harrison will join the Mercury coaching staff as an assistant to Carrie Graf.

"It was a hard decision to retire because I have been playing basketball most of my life. My body hasn't responded well this off-season and I don't feel like I could have been the player I've been in the past," said Harrison. "I thought it would be best that I step down and let someone younger come in who can make an impact with this team."

"I'm familiar with Carrie and Brian and coaching is an option I'd like to pursue. I've played for both of these coaches and I really look forward to learning a lot from them this season. When weighing the differences between returning as a player or becoming a coach there really were positives on both sides but in the end I had to listen to my body. I'm very excited to still be around this team and this organization and I look forward to helping turn things around this season."

Harrison began her professional career in 1996 with the Columbus Quest of the American Basketball League. She spent one season with the Quest and two seasons with the Portland Power before the league abruptly ceased operations. The 6'0" Harrison was a third round (34th overall) selection by the Mercury in the 1999 WNBA Draft.

"Lisa Harrison is the consummate professional and we are very excited in having her join our coaching staff," explained Mercury General Manager Seth Sulka. "Lisa is a very important part of the Phoenix Mercury family and while we are sad to see her retire as a player, we couldn't be happier that she will begin her coaching career with us."

Known for her defensive prowess, Harrison was the defensive leader on the floor for the Mercury for five seasons. Over the course of 161 games, she averaged 6.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Upon retiring, Harrison ranks among the top in many Mercury statistical categories: second in games played (161), second in most consecutive games played (104), third in most points in career (1,084), second in field goals (452) and second in rebounding (634).

During her five years with the Mercury, Harrison has been an invaluable asset to the community, making more than 500 appearances on behalf of the organization. Her personal commitment in Phoenix has been in assisting the Arizona Humane Society and their pet adoption program.

A 1993 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Harrison won an NCAA Championship with the Lady Vols in 1991. As a senior in Knoxville, Harrison led her team in scoring with 14.0 and tied a single-season record with 9.4 rebounds per game, en route to being named a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Harrison won the prestigious "Miss Kentucky Basketball" award in 1989. She was inducted in the Kentucky High School Athletics Association's Hall of Fame in 1998 and then inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame on September 10, 2001.

The Mercury begin the 2004 season at home on Thursday, May 20, when they host the Sacramento Monarchs at 7 p.m. inside America West Arena. Mercury fans have the opportunity to see their favorite WNBA team in action through all 17 regular season home games this summer with the purchase of a full season ticket plan. Season tickets are available in a variety of packages. For information on Mercury season tickets, call (602)-379-7878 or visit www.phoenixmercury.com.

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