Celebrate a Champion: Kayla Thornton Day at UTEP!

Get ready, El Paso! A thrilling tribute is on the horizon as UTEP honors one of its own, WNBA champion Kayla Thornton, during a special women’s basketball game against Morehead State on Sunday, November 10, at 6 PM. This isn’t just any game; it’s a celebration of local talent, community spirit, and a shining star in women’s sports.

A Day to Remember

November 10 will officially be recognized as “Kayla Thornton Day” in the Sun City, marking a significant moment for both the athlete and the community. Thornton's jersey will be raised to the rafters of the Haskins Center, a testament to her remarkable achievements and lasting impact on UTEP athletics.

A Special Presentation

El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser will be in attendance to honor Thornton with a special presentation, adding to the excitement of the evening. This is a perfect opportunity for fans to show their support and gratitude for one of El Paso’s finest.

Kayla Thornton’s Journey

• Position: 6’1” forward
• College Career: Played for the Miners from 2010 to 2014
• WNBA Success: Recently clinched the championship with the New York Liberty, defeating the Minnesota Lynx in a nail-biting series.

In her time with the Liberty, Thornton has participated in 80 regular season games, showcasing her talent with an impressive performance record:

• Points: 399 (5.0 ppg)
• Rebounds: 244 (3.1 rpg)
• Assists: 54 (0.7 apg)
• Steals: 57 (0.7 spg)
• Blocks: 19 (0.2 bpg)

Record-Breaking Legacy

Thornton’s accolades at UTEP are nothing short of phenomenal:

• All-time leading scorer: 1,679 points
• Most field goals made: 600
• Most free throws made: 390
• Most rebounds: 1,032
• Most double-doubles: 40
• Second in steals: 217

In 2019, she was inducted into the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame, a well-deserved recognition of her extraordinary college career.

A Coach's Pride

UTEP women’s basketball coach Keitha Adams expressed her enthusiasm for the celebration: “I’m excited and looking forward to celebrating ‘Kayla Thornton Day’ with Kayla and her family. It was such an honor to coach Kayla for four years at UTEP. We made memories that all of us can cherish forever.”

Join the Celebration!

This is an event you won’t want to miss! Tickets for the November 10 game start at just $8. To grab your seats, call (915) 747-UTEP or visit www.UTEPMiners.com. Let’s come together as a community to honor a true champion!

What do you think?

• Will Thornton’s legacy inspire future athletes in El Paso?
• Do you believe that more local sports heroes should be recognized in similar ways?
• Should the UTEP women’s basketball team focus on building a stronger program around past champions?
• Is there enough support for women’s sports in El Paso, or is more needed?