Sacramento Monarchs
Encyclopedia
The Sacramento Monarchs were a basketball
team based in Sacramento, California
. They played in the Women's National Basketball Association
(WNBA) from 1997 until folding on November 20, 2009. They played their home games at ARCO Arena
.
The Monarchs were one of the WNBA's eight original franchises and were noted early on for standout players Ticha Penicheiro
, Ruthie Bolton
and Yolanda Griffith
. They were the sister franchise of the Sacramento Kings
National Basketball Association
(NBA) team. They were one of the more successful WNBA franchises on the court, though they often trailed behind perennial Western Conference champions the Houston Comets
and the Los Angeles Sparks
. However, in 2005, the team brought Sacramento its first championship in a professional sport, winning the WNBA Finals for the first and only time. In fact, they are the only WNBA franchise thus far to win a championship without repeating.
national team player Ticha Penicheiro
, popular player Ruthie Bolton
and prolific scorer Yolanda Griffith
, all of whom have been WNBA All-Stars, the Monarchs have been able to make the playoffs almost every year so far, but were normally eliminated before reaching the WNBA Finals
.
in the 2004 WNBA Western Conference Championship, the Monarchs made major roster moves to improve the team - obtaining younger players and emphasizing Head Coach John Whisenant's defense-oriented system. Bolton, one of the team's original players, became a free agent
and the Monarchs made the difficult decision not to keep her on the active playing roster, though they did offer her a position in their front office. Edna Campbell
, a breast cancer
survivor and another fan favorite, was not signed by the Monarchs and later signed with the San Antonio Silver Stars
.
On March 3, 2005, the Monarchs traded Tangela Smith
and a 2006 second round draft pick
to the Charlotte Sting
in exchange for former Stanford University
standout Nicole Powell
, Olympia Scott-Richardson, and Erin Buescher. After signing two Chinese
players, Miao Lijie
and Sui Feifei
, the Monarchs traded Chantelle Anderson
to the San Antonio Silver Stars
for a 2006 draft pick. During the 2005 WNBA Draft
, the Monarchs drafted point guard
Kristin Haynie
from Michigan State University
and Chelsea Newton from Rutgers University
. The Monarchs did sign Ruthie Bolton
as a free agent
for the purpose of her trying to win a spot on team's roster during its pre-season training camp, but eventually waived her. Bolton later joined the Monarchs to work in their promotions and public relations
department.
The offseason moves immediately paid off for the Monarchs as the team finished with a franchise-best 25-9 win/loss record. Whisenant was later named the WNBA Coach of the Year
, and Powell received the WNBA Most Improved Player Award
. After previous seasons of being eliminated from the WNBA Playoffs by either the Houston Comets
or the Los Angeles Sparks
, the Monarchs finally defeated both, sweeping both teams en route to their first appearance in the WNBA Finals
. The Monarchs won their first ever WNBA Finals by defeating the Connecticut Sun
, three games to one in a best-of-five playoff series, which brought the city of Sacramento its second major championship in a professional sport. After winning the championship, the Monarchs became the first women's professional team to appear on a Wheaties box.
The Monarchs remained strong in 2006, finishing second place in the West. The Monarchs would catch fire in the playoffs, once again sweeping both Houston and then top seeded LA to reach the Finals for the second straight season. But in the Finals, they were defeated by the Detroit Shock
3 games to 2, in the first WNBA Finals to go 5 games.
. After defeating the Silver Stars in game 1 at home, the Monarchs would lose games 2 & 3 (and the series) in San Antonio, ending their two-year run as Western Conference champions.
In 2008 the Monarchs were markedly less strong, but hung around the Western Playoff picture all season and finished with the #4 seed. Facing the Silver Stars again in the first round, the Monarchs were hoping for some payback for 2007. The series did not start well for the Monarchs, as they dropped Game 1 at home 85-78. Now the series shifted to San Antonio, and it seemed the series would come to a quick end. But the Monarchs would not back down, blowing out the Silver Stars in Game 2 84-67, forcing the critical Game 3. In Game 3, the Stars came out strong and at one point had a 14 point lead. But the Monarchs put together a furious rally, scoring seven points in the final 90 seconds of play to even the game and force it to overtime. But unfortunately for the Monarchs, the Silver Stars came out strong in the extra period and won the game, 86-81, ending the Monarchs' season.
In 2009, the Monarchs had one of their worst seasons in franchise history. It also led to the firing of head coach Jenny Boucek
during the season, after which she was replaced by John Whisenant
, the coach that led the Monarchs to their first championship in 2005. They finished 12-22, last in the conference and the league. They also missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season and tied the record for the most number of losses with 22, the same number of losses they made 11 years ago.
would be held on December 14, 2009.
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
team based in Sacramento, California
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
. They played in the Women's National Basketball Association
Women's National Basketball Association
The Women's National Basketball Association is a women's professional basketball league in the United States. It currently is composed of twelve teams. The league was founded on April 24, 1996 as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association...
(WNBA) from 1997 until folding on November 20, 2009. They played their home games at ARCO Arena
ARCO Arena
Power Balance Pavilion is an indoor arena, located in the Natomas area of Sacramento, California. It is the home of the NBA's Sacramento Kings.-Background:...
.
The Monarchs were one of the WNBA's eight original franchises and were noted early on for standout players Ticha Penicheiro
Ticha Penicheiro
Ticha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
, Ruthie Bolton
Ruthie Bolton
Alice Ruth Bolton , better known as Ruthie Bolton and also by her former married name of Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, is a former collegiate, Olympic and professional basketball player. Bolton played in the WNBA from 1997 through 2004 with the Sacramento Monarchs. She played collegiately at Auburn...
and Yolanda Griffith
Yolanda Griffith
Yolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
. They were the sister franchise of the Sacramento Kings
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
National Basketball Association
National Basketball Association
The National Basketball Association is the pre-eminent men's professional basketball league in North America. It consists of thirty franchised member clubs, of which twenty-nine are located in the United States and one in Canada...
(NBA) team. They were one of the more successful WNBA franchises on the court, though they often trailed behind perennial Western Conference champions the Houston Comets
Houston Comets
The Houston Comets were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Formed in 1997, the team was one of the best original eight WNBA teams and won the first four championships of the league's existence. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and...
and the Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began...
. However, in 2005, the team brought Sacramento its first championship in a professional sport, winning the WNBA Finals for the first and only time. In fact, they are the only WNBA franchise thus far to win a championship without repeating.
Origins (1997–2003)
The Monarchs made an impact in the WNBA almost immediately. With the hiring of PortuguesePortugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
national team player Ticha Penicheiro
Ticha Penicheiro
Ticha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
, popular player Ruthie Bolton
Ruthie Bolton
Alice Ruth Bolton , better known as Ruthie Bolton and also by her former married name of Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, is a former collegiate, Olympic and professional basketball player. Bolton played in the WNBA from 1997 through 2004 with the Sacramento Monarchs. She played collegiately at Auburn...
and prolific scorer Yolanda Griffith
Yolanda Griffith
Yolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
, all of whom have been WNBA All-Stars, the Monarchs have been able to make the playoffs almost every year so far, but were normally eliminated before reaching the WNBA Finals
WNBA Finals
The WNBA Finals is the championship series of the Women's National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each fall. The series was named the WNBA Championship until 2002....
.
Gaining control (2004–2006)
After losing to the Seattle StormSeattle Storm
The Seattle Storm is a professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began...
in the 2004 WNBA Western Conference Championship, the Monarchs made major roster moves to improve the team - obtaining younger players and emphasizing Head Coach John Whisenant's defense-oriented system. Bolton, one of the team's original players, became a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
and the Monarchs made the difficult decision not to keep her on the active playing roster, though they did offer her a position in their front office. Edna Campbell
Edna Campbell
Edna Campbell is a retired women's basketball player who played in the Women's National Basketball Association . The 5' 8" guard was a star player for the Sacramento Monarchs and has also played for three other teams, but is well known for continuing to play despite suffering breast cancer...
, a breast cancer
Breast cancer
Breast cancer is cancer originating from breast tissue, most commonly from the inner lining of milk ducts or the lobules that supply the ducts with milk. Cancers originating from ducts are known as ductal carcinomas; those originating from lobules are known as lobular carcinomas...
survivor and another fan favorite, was not signed by the Monarchs and later signed with the San Antonio Silver Stars
San Antonio Silver Stars
The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio...
.
On March 3, 2005, the Monarchs traded Tangela Smith
Tangela Smith
-External links:***...
and a 2006 second round draft pick
WNBA Draft
The WNBA Draft is an annual draft held by the WNBA through which WNBA teams can select new players from a talent pool of college and professional women's basketball players. The first WNBA draft was held in 1997...
to the Charlotte Sting
Charlotte Sting
The Charlotte Sting was a Women's National Basketball Association franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it was one of the league's eight original teams. The team folded on January 3, 2007....
in exchange for former Stanford University
Stanford University
The Leland Stanford Junior University, commonly referred to as Stanford University or Stanford, is a private research university on an campus located near Palo Alto, California. It is situated in the northwestern Santa Clara Valley on the San Francisco Peninsula, approximately northwest of San...
standout Nicole Powell
Nicole Powell
Nicole Kristen Powell is a basketball player who was a standout at Stanford University and now plays for the New York Liberty in the WNBA...
, Olympia Scott-Richardson, and Erin Buescher. After signing two Chinese
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
players, Miao Lijie
Miao Lijie
Miao Lijie is a female Chinese basketball player who was part of the team that won the gold medal at the 2001 Asian Championship. In 2005, she joined the Sacramento Monarchs of WNBA but left the team shortly...
and Sui Feifei
Sui Feifei
Sui Feifei is a female Chinese basketball player who was signed with the Sacramento Monarchs of the WNBA. She was born and raised in Qingdao, Shandong in the People's Republic of China, and is 1.84 m tall....
, the Monarchs traded Chantelle Anderson
Chantelle Anderson
Chantelle Denise Anderson, pronounced "shawn-tell", is a retired collegiate and professional basketball player who has played in the Women's National Basketball Association and overseas.-Personal:...
to the San Antonio Silver Stars
San Antonio Silver Stars
The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio...
for a 2006 draft pick. During the 2005 WNBA Draft
WNBA Draft
The WNBA Draft is an annual draft held by the WNBA through which WNBA teams can select new players from a talent pool of college and professional women's basketball players. The first WNBA draft was held in 1997...
, the Monarchs drafted point guard
Point guard
Point guard , also called the play maker or "the ball-handler", is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he is expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that...
Kristin Haynie
Kristin Haynie
Kristin Lynne Haynie is an American basketball player in the WNBA for the Sacramento Monarchs.-High school years:Haynie was born and raised in Mason, Michigan...
from Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Michigan State University is a public research university in East Lansing, Michigan, USA. Founded in 1855, it was the pioneer land-grant institution and served as a model for future land-grant colleges in the United States under the 1862 Morrill Act.MSU pioneered the studies of packaging,...
and Chelsea Newton from Rutgers University
Rutgers University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey , is the largest institution for higher education in New Jersey, United States. It was originally chartered as Queen's College in 1766. It is the eighth-oldest college in the United States and one of the nine Colonial colleges founded before the American...
. The Monarchs did sign Ruthie Bolton
Ruthie Bolton
Alice Ruth Bolton , better known as Ruthie Bolton and also by her former married name of Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, is a former collegiate, Olympic and professional basketball player. Bolton played in the WNBA from 1997 through 2004 with the Sacramento Monarchs. She played collegiately at Auburn...
as a free agent
Free agent
In professional sports, a free agent is a player whose contract with a team has expired and who is thus eligible to sign with another club or franchise....
for the purpose of her trying to win a spot on team's roster during its pre-season training camp, but eventually waived her. Bolton later joined the Monarchs to work in their promotions and public relations
Public relations
Public relations is the actions of a corporation, store, government, individual, etc., in promoting goodwill between itself and the public, the community, employees, customers, etc....
department.
The offseason moves immediately paid off for the Monarchs as the team finished with a franchise-best 25-9 win/loss record. Whisenant was later named the WNBA Coach of the Year
WNBA Coach of the Year Award
The Women's National Basketball Association's Coach of the Year is an annual Women's National Basketball Association award given since the league's inaugural season. The winner is selected at the end of regular season by a panel of sportswriters from the United States, each of whom casts a vote...
, and Powell received the WNBA Most Improved Player Award
WNBA Most Improved Player Award
The Women's National Basketball Association's Most Improved Player Award is an annual Women's National Basketball Association award given since the 2000 WNBA season, to the most improved player of the regular season. The winner is selected by a panel of sportswriters throughout the United States,...
. After previous seasons of being eliminated from the WNBA Playoffs by either the Houston Comets
Houston Comets
The Houston Comets were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Formed in 1997, the team was one of the best original eight WNBA teams and won the first four championships of the league's existence. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and...
or the Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began...
, the Monarchs finally defeated both, sweeping both teams en route to their first appearance in the WNBA Finals
WNBA Finals
The WNBA Finals is the championship series of the Women's National Basketball Association and the conclusion of the sport's postseason each fall. The series was named the WNBA Championship until 2002....
. The Monarchs won their first ever WNBA Finals by defeating the Connecticut Sun
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season...
, three games to one in a best-of-five playoff series, which brought the city of Sacramento its second major championship in a professional sport. After winning the championship, the Monarchs became the first women's professional team to appear on a Wheaties box.
The Monarchs remained strong in 2006, finishing second place in the West. The Monarchs would catch fire in the playoffs, once again sweeping both Houston and then top seeded LA to reach the Finals for the second straight season. But in the Finals, they were defeated by the Detroit Shock
Detroit Shock
The Detroit Shock was a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. They were the 2003, 2006 and 2008 WNBA champion...
3 games to 2, in the first WNBA Finals to go 5 games.
Decline (2007–2009)
In 2007, the Monarchs finished strongly again, but blew a chance to get the #2 seed at the end of the season. They were matched up against the San Antonio Silver StarsSan Antonio Silver Stars
The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio...
. After defeating the Silver Stars in game 1 at home, the Monarchs would lose games 2 & 3 (and the series) in San Antonio, ending their two-year run as Western Conference champions.
In 2008 the Monarchs were markedly less strong, but hung around the Western Playoff picture all season and finished with the #4 seed. Facing the Silver Stars again in the first round, the Monarchs were hoping for some payback for 2007. The series did not start well for the Monarchs, as they dropped Game 1 at home 85-78. Now the series shifted to San Antonio, and it seemed the series would come to a quick end. But the Monarchs would not back down, blowing out the Silver Stars in Game 2 84-67, forcing the critical Game 3. In Game 3, the Stars came out strong and at one point had a 14 point lead. But the Monarchs put together a furious rally, scoring seven points in the final 90 seconds of play to even the game and force it to overtime. But unfortunately for the Monarchs, the Silver Stars came out strong in the extra period and won the game, 86-81, ending the Monarchs' season.
In 2009, the Monarchs had one of their worst seasons in franchise history. It also led to the firing of head coach Jenny Boucek
Jenny Boucek
Jenny Boucek is a former basketball player and coach. From 1999 to 2005, she served as an assistant coach for various teams in the WNBA. She was named as the Head Coach for the Sacramento Monarchs on November 15, 2006...
during the season, after which she was replaced by John Whisenant
John Whisenant
John Whisenant is currently head coach for the New York Liberty in the Women's National Basketball Association . He graduated in 1966 with a B.S. degree in physical education from New Mexico State University and earned an M.A. in history from Pittsburg State University.-Career:Whisenant's nickname...
, the coach that led the Monarchs to their first championship in 2005. They finished 12-22, last in the conference and the league. They also missed the playoffs for the first time since the 2002 season and tied the record for the most number of losses with 22, the same number of losses they made 11 years ago.
Folding
It was revealed on November 20, 2009 that the Maloof family would no longer operate the Monarchs. The league attempted to re-locate the Monarchs to the San Francisco Bay area, but on December 8, 2009 it was announced that new ownership could not be found and a dispersal draft2010 WNBA Draft
The 2010 WNBA Draft is the league's annual process for determining which teams receive the rights to negotiate with players entering the league. The draft was held on April 8, 2010. The first round was shown on ESPN2 , while the second and third rounds were shown on NBA TV and ESPNU.A lottery was...
would be held on December 14, 2009.
Season-by-season records
| Season | Team | Conference | Regular season | Playoff WNBA Playoffs The WNBA Playoffs is a best-of-three elimination tournament between eight teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association , ultimately deciding the final two teams who will play in the WNBA Finals.... Results |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | PCT | |||||
| Sacramento Monarchs | |||||||
| 1997 1997 WNBA Season -External links:*... |
1997 1997 Sacramento Monarchs season The 1997 WNBA season was the inaugural season for the Sacramento Monarchs.-Initial Player Allocation:-WNBA Elite Draft:-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Player stats:*Ruthie Bolton ranked second in the WNBA in points with 447 points.... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
3rd | 10 | 18 | .357 | |
| 1998 1998 WNBA season -External links:**... |
1998 1998 Sacramento Monarchs season The 1998 WNBA season was the 2nd season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The team tied with the Utah Starzz for the worst record in the Western Conference.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Player stats:-References:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
4th | 8 | 22 | .267 | |
| 1999 1999 WNBA season -External links:**... |
1999 | West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
3rd | 19 | 13 | .594 | Lost Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 0–1) |
| 2000 2000 WNBA season -External links:**... |
2000 2000 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2000 WNBA season was the 4th season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The team made the WNBA Playoffs for the second consecutive season, but they were shortly swept by eventual champion Houston Comets in the first round.-Expansion Draft:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
3rd | 21 | 11 | .656 | Lost Conference Semifinals (Houston Houston Comets The Houston Comets were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Formed in 1997, the team was one of the best original eight WNBA teams and won the first four championships of the league's existence. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and... , 0–2) |
| 2001 2001 WNBA season -External links:**... |
2001 2001 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2001 WNBA season was the 5th season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The team won their first playoff series, but they were later defeated by eventual champion Los Angeles Sparks in the conference finals.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Playoffs:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
2nd | 20 | 12 | .625 | Won Conference Semifinals (Utah Utah Starzz The Utah Starzz were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They began play in the 1997 WNBA season as one of the league's eight original teams. The Starzz relocated, in 2003, to San Antonio, Texas where the team became the San Antonio Silver Stars... , 2–0) Lost Conference Finals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 1–2) |
| 2002 2002 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2002 2002 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2002 WNBA season was the 6th season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The team missed the playoffs for the first time in four years.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Player stats:-References:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
5th | 14 | 18 | .438 | |
| 2003 2003 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2003 2003 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2003 WNBA season was the 7th season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The team returned to the conference finals for the first time in two years, only to lose in three games to the Los Angeles Sparks.-Dispersal Draft:-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
3rd | 19 | 15 | .559 | Won Conference Semifinals (Houston Houston Comets The Houston Comets were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Formed in 1997, the team was one of the best original eight WNBA teams and won the first four championships of the league's existence. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and... , 2–1) Lost Conference Finals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 1–2) |
| 2004 2004 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2004 2004 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2004 WNBA season was the 8th for the Sacramento Monarchs. The Monarchs went to the playoffs, where they upset the Los Angeles Sparks in three games, but fell in the conference finals to eventual champion Seattle Storm.-Dispersal Draft:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
4th | 18 | 16 | .529 | Won Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 2–1) Lost Conference Finals (Seattle Seattle Storm The Seattle Storm is a professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... , 1–2) |
| 2005 2005 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2005 2005 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2005 WNBA season was the Monarch’s ninth season. The Monarchs finished the season by winning their first WNBA Championship.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Player stats:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
1st | 25 | 9 | .765 | Won Conference Semifinals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 2–0) Won Conference Finals (Houston Houston Comets The Houston Comets were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Formed in 1997, the team was one of the best original eight WNBA teams and won the first four championships of the league's existence. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and... , 2–0) Won WNBA Finals (Connecticut Connecticut Sun The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season... , 3–1) |
| 2006 2006 WNBA season -External links:*******... |
2006 2006 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2006 WNBA season was the 10th season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The Monarchs reached their second trip to the WNBA Finals, but was defeated in five games to the Detroit Shock... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
2nd | 21 | 13 | .618 | Won Conference Semifinals (Houston Houston Comets The Houston Comets were a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Houston, Texas, United States. Formed in 1997, the team was one of the best original eight WNBA teams and won the first four championships of the league's existence. The Comets were the first dynasty of the WNBA and... , 2–0) Won Conference Finals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 2–0) Lost WNBA Finals (Detroit Detroit Shock The Detroit Shock was a Women's National Basketball Association team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. They were the 2003, 2006 and 2008 WNBA champion... , 2–3) |
| 2007 2007 WNBA season -External links:* * * * * * * *... |
2007 2007 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2007 WNBA season was the 11th for the Sacramento Monarchs. The Monarchs qualified for the playoffs, but later fell to the San Antonio Silver Stars in three games.-Dispersal Draft:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
3rd | 19 | 15 | .559 | Lost Conference Semifinals (San Antonio San Antonio Silver Stars The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio... , 1–2) |
| 2008 2008 WNBA season -Season Highlights:*Candace Parker becomes the second and third player in WNBA history to dunk in a regular season game.*A fight breaks out between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Detroit Shock resulting in four ejections and ten suspensions.... |
2008 2008 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2008 WNBA season was the 12th season for the Sacramento Monarchs. The team reached the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season. It was also their 9th and final playoff berth before folding a season later.-Offseason:... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
4th | 18 | 16 | .529 | Lost Conference Semifinals (San Antonio San Antonio Silver Stars The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio... , 1–2) |
| 2009 2009 WNBA season The 2009 WNBA Season is the 13th season of the Women's National Basketball Association. It is the first WNBA season ever without a Houston franchise, the Comets having folded in December 2008... |
2009 2009 Sacramento Monarchs season The 2009 WNBA season was the 13th season and final season for the Sacramento Monarchs of the Women's National Basketball Association. The Monarchs failed to qualify for the WNBA Playoffs for the first time in seven years... |
West Western Conference (WNBA) The Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Western Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Eastern Conference... |
6th | 12 | 22 | .353 | |
| Regular season | 224 | 200 | .528 | 2 Conference Championships | |||
| Playoffs | 24 | 19 | .558 | 1 WNBA Championship | |||
Head coaches
- Mary Murphy (1997), now a color commentatorColor commentatorA color commentator is a sports commentator who assists the play-by-play announcer, often by filling in any time when play is not in progress. The color analyst and main commentator will often exchange comments freely throughout the broadcast, when the play-by-play announcer is not describing the...
for Pac-10 women's basketball games on Comcast Sportsnet Bay Area in the San Francisco - Heidi VanDerveerHeidi VanDerveerHeidi VanDerveer is a women's basketball collegiate and professional coach. She is currently the head coach at Occidental College.VanDerveer served as a basketball coach in the WNBA, as an assistant with the Seattle Storm, and had been the Minnesota Lynx second head coach in 2002 after Brian Agler...
(1997–1998), now the head coach at Occidental CollegeOccidental CollegeOccidental College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college located in the Eagle Rock neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1887, Occidental College, or "Oxy" as it is called by students and alumni, is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast... - Sonny Allen (1999–2000)
- Maura McHugh (2001–2003)
- John WhisenantJohn WhisenantJohn Whisenant is currently head coach for the New York Liberty in the Women's National Basketball Association . He graduated in 1966 with a B.S. degree in physical education from New Mexico State University and earned an M.A. in history from Pittsburg State University.-Career:Whisenant's nickname...
(2003–2006) - Jenny BoucekJenny BoucekJenny Boucek is a former basketball player and coach. From 1999 to 2005, she served as an assistant coach for various teams in the WNBA. She was named as the Head Coach for the Sacramento Monarchs on November 15, 2006...
(2007–2009) - John WhisenantJohn WhisenantJohn Whisenant is currently head coach for the New York Liberty in the Women's National Basketball Association . He graduated in 1966 with a B.S. degree in physical education from New Mexico State University and earned an M.A. in history from Pittsburg State University.-Career:Whisenant's nickname...
(2009)
Retired numbers
- 6 Ruthie BoltonRuthie BoltonAlice Ruth Bolton , better known as Ruthie Bolton and also by her former married name of Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, is a former collegiate, Olympic and professional basketball player. Bolton played in the WNBA from 1997 through 2004 with the Sacramento Monarchs. She played collegiately at Auburn...
- GM Jerry ReynoldsJerry Reynolds (basketball coach)Jerry Reynolds is an American former professional basketball coach and current executive in the NBA.He coached the Sacramento Kings for two different stretches; once in 1987 and from 1988 through 1989. He also served as the team's general manager...
, the Monarchs' first General Manager, has a retired jersey marked "GM", that was hung onto the ARCO ArenaARCO ArenaPower Balance Pavilion is an indoor arena, located in the Natomas area of Sacramento, California. It is the home of the NBA's Sacramento Kings.-Background:...
's rafters in 2004.
Notable players
- Chantelle AndersonChantelle AndersonChantelle Denise Anderson, pronounced "shawn-tell", is a retired collegiate and professional basketball player who has played in the Women's National Basketball Association and overseas.-Personal:...
- Cass Bauer-BilodeauCass Bauer-BilodeauCass Bauer-Bilodeau is a retired American collegiate and professional basketball player.- Basketball career :...
- Cindy BlodgettCindy BlodgettCindy Lee Blodgett is a former collegiate and professional basketball player. She was also the head coach at University of Maine, located in Orono, Maine from 2007 to 2011. Cindy attended Lawrence High School in Fairfield, where she was an all-star basketball player. She led the Bulldogs to a...
, now the Head Coach at University of MaineUniversity of MaineThe University of Maine is a public research university located in Orono, Maine, United States. The university was established in 1865 as a land grant college and is referred to as the flagship university of the University of Maine System... - Rebekkah BrunsonRebekkah BrunsonRebekkah Brunson is a basketball player playing forward for the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx. Previously, Brunson played for the Georgetown University women's basketball team....
, now a member of the Minnesota LynxMinnesota LynxThe Minnesota Lynx are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded prior to the 1999 season... - Erin Buescher
- Latasha ByearsLatasha ByearsLatasha Nashay Byears is a former American professional women's basketball player. She played in the WNBA for the Sacramento Monarchs, the Los Angeles Sparks, the Washington Mystics, and the for the Houston Comets...
- Edna CampbellEdna CampbellEdna Campbell is a retired women's basketball player who played in the Women's National Basketball Association . The 5' 8" guard was a star player for the Sacramento Monarchs and has also played for three other teams, but is well known for continuing to play despite suffering breast cancer...
- Bridgette GordonBridgette GordonBridgette C. Gordon is a retired female professional basketball player from the United States. She was a member of the United States women's national basketball team, that claimed the gold medal at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.In 2007, Gordon was elected to the Women's Basketball...
- Lady GroomsLady GroomsLady Grooms is an American former professional basketball player, who was one of the 16 original WNBA players allocated to the teams in the new league's Initial Player Allocation draft...
- Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
- Kristin HaynieKristin HaynieKristin Lynne Haynie is an American basketball player in the WNBA for the Sacramento Monarchs.-High school years:Haynie was born and raised in Mason, Michigan...
- Kedra Holland-CornKedra Holland-CornKedra Holland-Corn is a WNBA basketball player. After attending the University of Georgia, she played for the Sacramento Monarchs and Houston Comets, and now plays for the Detroit Shock....
- Kara LawsonKara Lawson-External links:**...
, now a member of the Connecticut SunConnecticut SunThe Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season... - Hamchetou Maiga-Ba
- Pamela McGeePamela McGeePamela McGee is a former WNBA player and assistant coach. At age 34, Pamela was the second overall pick in the 1997 WNBA Draft. She played in the league for two seasons with the Sacramento Monarchs and Los Angeles Sparks....
- Courtney ParisCourtney ParisCourtney Paris most recently played for the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA, she was the senior starting center for the University of Oklahoma women's basketball team. Her twin sister, player Ashley Paris, was also a Sooner.-Early life:In addition to being a twin, Paris has four brothers: Wayne, David,...
- Ticha PenicheiroTicha PenicheiroTicha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
, now a member of the Los Angeles SparksLos Angeles SparksThe Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... - Nicole PowellNicole PowellNicole Kristen Powell is a basketball player who was a standout at Stanford University and now plays for the New York Liberty in the WNBA...
, now a member of the New York LibertyNew York LibertyThe New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league... - Scholanda RobinsonScholanda RobinsonScholanda Robinson is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA, currently playing for the San Antonio Silver Stars.-External links:*...
, now a member of the San Antonio Silver StarsSan Antonio Silver StarsThe San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio... - Laure SavastaLaure SavastaLaure Savasta is a French professional basketball player. She both plays point guard and shooting guard. She was, with Isabelle Fijalkowski, amongst the first French players to ever play in the WNBA; indeed, she played for the Sacramento Monarchs and was a member of the French national team for a...
- Olympia Scott-RichardsonOlympia ScottOlympia Scott, formerly known under her married name of Olympia Scott-Richardson, is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA a former college coach and the co-founder, President & CEO of Super Parenting LLC and A Wonderful Life! Coaching....
- Tangela SmithTangela Smith-External links:***...
, now a member of the Indiana FeverIndiana FeverThe Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... - Kate StarbirdKate StarbirdKate Starbird is a former professional basketball player in the Women's National Basketball Association and the American Basketball League ....
- Katy StedingKaty StedingKaty Steding is a former collegiate and professional basketball player and current college basketball coach.-College career:...
- Chantel TremitiereChantel TremitiereChantel Ruth Tremitiere is a former professional player in the Women's National Basketball Association, an aspiring actress, and community / social worker.- Early life :...
- DeMya WalkerDeMya WalkerDeMya Chakheia Walker is a professional basketball player from the United States.-High school:...
, now a member of the Washington MysticsWashington MysticsThe Washington Mystics is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded prior to the 1998 season. The team is owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment , who also owns the Mystics'... - Kara WoltersKara WoltersKara Wolters is a retired American collegiate and professional basketball player.Standing at six feet and seven inches , she was appropriately nicknamed "Big Girl". She is the tallest player in University of Connecticut women's basketball history and one of the tallest women to ever play in the WNBA...
- Adrian Williams-StrongAdrian Williams-StrongAdrian Williams-Strong is an American professional women's basketball player in the WNBA, currently a Free Agent.Williams attended college at University of Southern California and graduated in 1999....
All-Stars
- 1999: Ticha PenicheiroTicha PenicheiroTicha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
, Ruthie Bolton-Holifield - 2000: Ticha PenicheiroTicha PenicheiroTicha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
, Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever... - 2001: Ticha PenicheiroTicha PenicheiroTicha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
, Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever... - 2002: Ticha PenicheiroTicha PenicheiroTicha Penicheiro is a Portuguese professional basketball player who plays for Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA...
- 2003: Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
- 2004: None but Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
on USA Olympic Team - 2005: Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
, DeMya WalkerDeMya WalkerDeMya Chakheia Walker is a professional basketball player from the United States.-High school:... - 2006: Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
- 2007: Yolanda GriffithYolanda GriffithYolanda Evette Griffith is a former American professional basketball who played in both the ABL, and WNBA. A Former WNBA MVP she is considered one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of Women's Basketball. She last played in the WNBA as a member of the Indiana Fever...
, Kara LawsonKara Lawson-External links:**...
, Rebekkah BrunsonRebekkah BrunsonRebekkah Brunson is a basketball player playing forward for the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx. Previously, Brunson played for the Georgetown University women's basketball team.... - 2008: No All-Star Game
- 2009: Nicole PowellNicole PowellNicole Kristen Powell is a basketball player who was a standout at Stanford University and now plays for the New York Liberty in the WNBA...