WNBA's Greatest Players in History: Swin Cash

• 3-time WNBA champion (2003, 2006, 2010)
• 4-time WNBA All-Star (2003, 2005, 2009, 2011)
• 2-time Olympic gold medalist (2004, 2012)

Swin Cash was a versatile forward who dominated the WNBA for 15 seasons, winning multiple championships and individual accolades while being a fierce competitor and leader.

Overview

Swintayla Marie "Swin" Cash Canal was one of the most accomplished and dominant players in WNBA history during her 15-year professional career from 2002 to 2016. A 6'1" forward, Cash was known for her all-around skill set, combining scoring, rebounding, passing and defense. Her career was defined by winning at every level, from college championships at UConn to multiple WNBA titles and Olympic gold medals.

Career Snapshot

Cash was drafted 2nd overall by the Detroit Shock in 2002 after a standout college career at UConn. She made an immediate impact as a rookie, averaging 14.8 points and 6.9 rebounds. In just her second season, Cash led the Shock to their first WNBA championship in 2003, earning All-WNBA Second Team honours. She would go on to win two more titles - another with Detroit in 2006 and one with the Seattle Storm in 2010.

Over her career, Cash was selected to 4 All-Star teams and was named All-Star MVP twice. She averaged double figures in scoring for 10 straight seasons from 2002-2011. Cash finished her WNBA career with impressive averages of 10.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

Playing Style

Cash's game was built on athleticism, versatility and a relentless motor. She could score from anywhere on the court, whether attacking the rim, hitting mid-range jumpers or stretching the defence with three-pointers. Her rebounding ability and willingness to battle in the paint made her a force on both ends. Cash's passing vision and ball-handling allowed her to facilitate offence as well. Defensively, she could guard multiple positions and was known for her intensity and competitiveness.

Why Cash is on our list

Swin Cash's combination of individual and team success puts her among the all-time greats in WNBA history. She was a key contributor on three championship teams and consistently performed at an All-Star level for over a decade. Cash's versatility allowed her to impact the game in multiple ways, and she was widely respected as a leader and fierce competitor. Her longevity and sustained excellence over 15 seasons solidified her legacy as one of the most dominant players the league has seen.

Five Fast Facts

1. One of only 11 women to win Olympic gold, NCAA title, FIBA World Cup gold and WNBA championship
2. Scored 5,119 career points, ranking 20th all-time in WNBA history
3. Two-time NCAA champion at UConn (2000, 2002)
4. Named to the WNBA's 20th and 25th Anniversary Teams
5. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022

Career Highlights Timeline

2000: Won first NCAA championship with UConn

2002: Selected 2nd overall in WNBA Draft by Detroit Shock

2003: Won first WNBA championship, named All-WNBA Second Team

2004: Won Olympic gold medal with Team USA in Athens

2006: Won second WNBA championship with Detroit Shock

2010: Won third WNBA championship with Seattle Storm

2012: Won second Olympic gold medal in London

2016: Retired after 15 WNBA seasons

2022: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Swin Cash's remarkable career places her among the most dominant and accomplished players in WNBA history. Her combination of individual excellence and team success across 15 seasons solidified her legacy as an all-time great. Cash's versatility, competitiveness and leadership made her a force on both ends of the court and a key contributor to multiple championship teams. Her impact on the game extends beyond her playing days, as she continues to be involved in basketball operations and advocacy efforts.