After a whirlwind few weeks following the New York Liberty securing a game 5 WNBA championship win and the celebratory parade, Kayla Thornton returned to her roots in El Paso, Texas, where she was hailed as a local legend. This homecoming was particularly special for Thornton, as it marked significant milestones in her basketball journey.
Kayla Thornton, an undrafted player who has become a vital part of the New York Liberty, exemplifies perseverance and resilience. Her journey from high school standout to professional athlete has culminated in a career-best year, especially in her three-point shooting. As a returning leader from the bench, Thornton embraced her role, providing much-needed energy and leadership to the team. Known for her vibrant personality, Kayla has been a "whole vibe" for the team, bringing laughter and some “controversial” takes, such as claiming Queens is the best borough in New York and favoring Papa John’s over New York-style pizza.
In El Paso, Thornton's accomplishments were celebrated with the retirement of her jerseys by both her high school, the Irvin Lady Rockets, and her college, the UTEP Miners. Her high school jersey, number 11, was retired in a ceremony by the Lady Rockets, acknowledging her early beginnings. Meanwhile, her number 5 jersey was retired by the UTEP Miners, making her the first woman to have her jersey hang from the rafters inside the Don Haskins Center. Reflecting on her time at UTEP, Thornton expressed, "I’m a little girl from West Texas, and I just want to show we do have talent here, and I want to show these young girls that come out here and play basketball that you can make it but you just have to just have dedication and keep God first."
Thornton's impact extends beyond the basketball court. After winning the WNBA championship, it was announced via Instagram by the UTEP Women’s Basketball program that El Paso had declared November 10th as Kayla Thornton Day. Thornton's deep-rooted connection to her community was evident as she tagged Papa John’s in a celebratory post, and the company showed up to provide pizza for the event.
This gesture was a testament to her heart and dedication to using her influence positively within her community. It’s awesome to see athletes come back to their communities and not only get the acknowledgment they deserve but also give back and pave the way for the next generation.
Kayla has been actively engaged in her hometown, contributing by running concessions at a local basketball game and inspiring future generations.
She humorously remarked about her mother's presence at her games, saying, "I never allowed my mom to come to the games because she was too loud. That kinda changed at UTEP because we were in a bigger arena, so you couldn’t really hear her as much.”
Kayla Thornton took a moment to honor her trainer, Eugene Costello, acknowledging the significant role he played in her development as a player. Her journey is a beacon of hope for aspiring youth who share her beginnings. Her story of success demonstrates that with dedication and faith, dreams are attainable. As Thornton continues to inspire, her legacy in El Paso is firmly cemented, proving that legends are made not only through talent but through heart and community spirit.
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