AVANDATIMES.COM – Sequoia Holmes, a veteran guard whose professional journey spanned nearly two decades across the WNBA and international circuits, has officially announced her retirement from professional basketball. The decision follows a productive final campaign in the Athletes Unlimited (AU) Pro Basketball league, where Holmes remained a consistent contributor both on the stat sheet and within the locker room.
A Legacy of Resilience and Community Impact
During her final season in the AU Pro Basketball circuit, Holmes maintained a solid presence, averaging 5.4 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. However, her influence extended far beyond her scoring output. AvandaTimes observed that Holmes was honored with the Athletes Unlimited Civic Leadership Award, a testament to her extensive involvement in community initiatives and her role as a mentor to younger athletes.
Upon the conclusion of the season, Holmes took a moment to address the fans directly, expressing her gratitude for the support she received throughout her lengthy career. Her retirement marks the end of a journey characterized by perseverance, moving through various iterations of the WNBA landscape.
Tracing a Career from Houston to Phoenix
Holmes’ entry into the professional ranks was anything but conventional. After going undrafted in 2008, she secured a roster spot with the Houston Comets, appearing in 17 games. When the Comets franchise folded following that season, Holmes became a key figure in the subsequent dispersal draft. The Phoenix Mercury selected her with the fifth overall pick, placing her in a draft class that included notable names like Sancho Lyttle.
Her tenure with the Mercury was defined by the following milestones:
2010 Season: Holmes appeared in 15 games for Phoenix, averaging 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds.Playoff Run: She was part of the roster that defeated the San Antonio Silver Stars before eventually falling to the Seattle Storm in the postseason.Historical Context: While her statistical output was modest, she remains a recognized part of the Mercury’s historical roster depth during a competitive era for the franchise.
Final Chapters with the Stars and Aces
After a multi-year hiatus from the WNBA, Holmes made a successful return in 2017 with the San Antonio Stars, where she averaged 3.3 points across 27 appearances. As the franchise transitioned to become the Las Vegas Aces in 2018, she remained with the organization for a brief three-game stint. The Aces organization acknowledged her contributions on Monday, releasing a social media tribute to thank the veteran for her dedication to the sport.
As she transitions into the next phase of her journey, Holmes leaves behind a statistical record that reflects her longevity:
League/TeamKey StatisticImpactAU Pro Basketball5.4 PPG / 3.8 RPGCivic Leadership Award WinnerSan Antonio Stars27 Games PlayedSuccessful WNBA ReturnPhoenix Mercury15 Games PlayedPostseason Participant
According to AvandaTimes monitoring, the recognition from her former Western Conference rivals in Las Vegas underscores the respect Holmes earned across the league, cementing her status as a respected journeyman who maximized every opportunity on the hardwood.