As the Connecticut Sun get set for Tuesday’s game against the Indiana Fever at the TD Garden in Boston, Tina Charles is proud to be an active participant of the franchise’s continued efforts to develop and nurture its New England fanbase.
“The opportunity to play at the TD Garden and to play against the Indiana Fever, it just shows the growth and the expansion of the league,” Charles said on Friday. “Just the eyes that are on us, the progression that has been made.”
Between her college career playing at UConn under Geno Auriemma and her first four years in the WNBA with the Sun, Charles has long been monumental figure for women’s basketball in New England. It’s only fitting that the future Hall of Famer receives her flowers from the Boston community.
SEATTLE, WA – JULY 11 : Tina Charles #31 of the Connecticut Sun handles the ball during the game against the Seattle Storm on July 11, 2025 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Scott Eklund/NBAE via Getty Images)NBAE via Getty Images
“It’s (going to) be exciting, I’m happy that even in my career, that I’m able to be a part of it,” Charles said. “I’m at the end, (but) I’m really excited for the new guys that are here, like Saniya (Rivers) and Aneesah (Morrow) and Rayah (Marshall), to have that type of experience and to be in front of that type of crowd, NBA-crowd and seating, it’s (going to) be exciting, I’m very thankful to be a part of it.
“Nobody is taking away from the ‘Caitlin Clark effect’, but at the same time, you’re able to grow a community fanbase, young boys and girls can come out and see us play and dream and aspire.”
Fellow UConn Husky Bria Hartley is also looking forward to playing her first game in Boston.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – JUNE 8: Bria Hartley #14 of the Connecticut Sun shoots the ball during the game against the Washington Mystics on June 8, 2025 at Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, D.C. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Goslings/NBAE via Getty Images)NBAE via Getty Images
She had grown fond of the city during her time in Storrs, Conn., with family currently residing in Boston.
“I’m really, really excited to play (in Boston),” Hartley said on Sunday. “I’ve never played there before… (but) I spent a lot of time in Boston (while in Connecticut). My stepfather went to Boston College, my brother lives in Boston, I’m just really excited to play in front of that crowd and in front of that community.”
Hartley joined the Sun midway through training camp with less than a week before the regular season started. Nearly three years have past since Hartley suffered a season-ending torn left ACL in 2022, which resulted in a two-year absence from the WNBA.
Hartley has played in all 21 games for the Sun this season and started in 15, her highest mark in either category since 2019. While her shooting efficiency has room for improvement (33.9% from the field), her vision and scoring ability have quickly made her an important cog within the Sun’s guard rotation.
“With my story, I’m just blessed to be out there,” said the 11th-year veteran, having previously torn her right ACL in 2020. “I feel the best I’ve felt in years, as far as that, but I make sure I get my recovery in and I do a lot less than what I did when I was younger.”
Tip-off for the Sun’s game against the Fever on Tuesday is set for 8 p.m. on ESPN.
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