By DJ Harding
DeWanna Bonner had her Jersey retired this past Sunday at her alma mater Auburn University. The Connecticut Sun forward had her No.24 raised into the rafters at Neville Arena.
Bonner graduated from Auburn in 2009 as the program’s all time leading scorer with 2,162 points. Bonner was also the 2009 SEC Player of the Year and a two time All-American at Auburn.
Members of the Connecticut Sun team and front office were present for her jersey retirement and surrounding ceremonies including players Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones, Sun General Manager Darius Taylor, and Sun Assistant General Manager Morgan Tuck.
Bonner’s teammate Alyssa Thomas commented on the jersey retirement saying “It’s huge just to be able to be a part of this. I don’t think I realized how big of a deal she was here, all the records and things she accomplished. I knew she was good, but to be a part of this day is super special for her, and I’m just happy I was able to be here.”
Bonner also spoke on her jersey retirement saying “There’s a plethora of emotions. I am so excited to be back. I don’t know what to feel. It’s such a huge honor to even be thought of at this university…it’s really hard to get your jersey retired here. It takes a certain type of athlete and a certain type of person, so to think that I’ve done that…it’s just…I don’t know the words to explain it. I’m just so proud and so happy to be up there. It’s possible. It can be done. A little Black girl from Fairfield, Alabama coming to Auburn University and being recognized as a great, it can be done. It’s possible. Keep living your dream.”