Did Maya Moore Retire? What Happened to Maya Moore?
by M Nishali
Updated Mar 04, 2024
Did Maya Moore Retire?
Yes, Maya Moore, the WNBA superstar, has retired from professional basketball after playing for eight seasons. She announced during an interview on "Good Morning America." Moore expressed that she felt it was the right time to step away from the sport, stating, "I think it is time to put a close to the pro basketball life."
Despite stepping back from basketball four seasons ago, Moore wanted to officially retire from the sport she had dedicated much of her life to. During her illustrious career, Moore played for the Minnesota Lynx, where she helped redefine the franchise and led them to four WNBA championships. She was also a six-time WNBA All-Star, showcasing her exceptional skills and leadership on the court.
Moore's impact on the Lynx was significant, as she formed a formidable quartet alongside WNBA legends Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, and Sylvia Fowles. Aside from her basketball achievements, Moore had a successful collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, where she played a pivotal role in leading her team to two national championships.
After retiring from basketball, Moore shifted her focus to social justice work, particularly in criminal justice reform. She successfully helped overturn a 50-year prison sentence for Jonathan Irons, whom she later married. Moore plans to continue her advocacy work through her non-profit organization, "Win with Justice," while also prioritizing her family and community.
Who is Maya Moore?
Maya Moore is a retired professional basketball player and a champion for social justice. Born on June 11, 1989, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Moore began playing basketball at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. She attended the University of Connecticut, where she played for the UConn Huskies women's basketball team and led them to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2009 and 2010.
Moore's stellar performance earned her numerous accolades, including the John Wooden Award and recognition as one of the greatest college basketball players of all time. In 2011, Moore was drafted as the first overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA draft. She went on to have a highly successful professional career, winning four WNBA championships with the Lynx, earning the WNBA MVP award in 2014, and being selected to multiple All-Star teams.
Moore's impact extended beyond the basketball court; in 2018, she decided to step away from the game to focus on criminal justice reform. She played a key role in overturning the wrongful conviction of Jonathan Irons, whom she later married. Moore's dedication to social justice and her achievements in basketball have solidified her legacy as a true trailblazer in both sports and activism.
Full Name
Maya April Moore
Date of Birth
June 11, 1989
Place of Birth
Jefferson City, Missouri
Height
6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight
175 lb (79 kg)
High School
Collins Hill (Suwanee, Georgia)
College
University of Connecticut (UConn) (2007–2011)
WNBA Draft
2011: 1st round, 1st overall pick
WNBA Team
Minnesota Lynx
Playing Career
2011–2018
Position
Small forward
Maya Moore Career
Maya Moore, born on June 11, 1989, in Jefferson City, Missouri, is a former professional basketball player known for her remarkable career in the Women's National Basketball Association. Moore's journey to basketball stardom began in high school, where she earned several prestigious awards, including National Gatorade Player of the Year and McDonald's All-American honors.
Continuing her success at the collegiate level, Moore played for the University of Connecticut Huskies and led them to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2009 and 2010. Her exceptional performance earned her numerous accolades, including the John Wooden Award and the Naismith College Player of the Year award.
In 2011, Moore was selected as the first overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx. She quickly made an impact, helping the Lynx win four WNBA championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. Moore's versatility and skill on the court earned her multiple All-Star selections and the WNBA Most Valuable Player award in 2014.
Off the court, Moore's influence extended beyond basketball. She became a social justice advocate, focusing on criminal justice reform and other important issues. In 2019, Moore announced a hiatus from basketball to pursue these passions fully. Finally, in January 2023, Moore officially announced her retirement from professional basketball, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
Maya Moore Husband Age
Maya Moore's husband, Jonathan Irons, is currently 43 years old. Irons gained public attention due to his wrongful incarceration, which lasted for 23 years before his release in 2020. Moore and Irons met in 2007 when Moore was visiting a Missouri prison, where Irons was serving his sentence. Despite the significant age gap between the two, they developed a deep bond over the years, leading to a romantic relationship and eventual marriage.
Irons's story of wrongful imprisonment and eventual exoneration garnered widespread media coverage, particularly after Moore, a prominent WNBA player, decided to dedicate herself to advocating for his release. Their love story and journey towards justice have inspired many and shed light on issues within the criminal justice system.
Today, Irons continues to work on criminal justice reform initiatives, while Moore focuses on her advocacy work and various personal endeavors. Their joint memoir, "Love & Justice," details their remarkable story of love, perseverance, and triumph against all odds, serving as a source of inspiration for others facing similar challenges.
Where Does Maya Moore Live Now?
Maya Moore currently resides in various places as she continues her advocacy work and pursues personal endeavors. While she spent much of her professional basketball career in Minnesota while playing for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA, Moore has since taken a hiatus from the sport to focus on social justice initiatives and criminal justice reform.
In recent years, Moore has been known to split her time between different locations, including spending time with her family in various parts of the United States. Additionally, Moore's efforts in advocating for criminal justice reform have led her to work on specific cases and initiatives across the country, requiring her to travel and stay in different areas as needed.
Despite her absence from professional basketball, Moore remains active in her community and continues to use her platform to advocate for change. While her exact current place of residence may not be publicly disclosed due to privacy reasons, Moore's impact and influence extend far beyond her physical location, as she continues to inspire others through her activism and dedication to social justice causes.
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What Happened to Maya Moore?
Maya Moore, a superstar in the WNBA, decided to retire from professional basketball after eight successful seasons. She made this announcement during an interview on "Good Morning America." Maya felt it was the right time to close her chapter in basketball and focus on other important things in her life.
Maya had an outstanding career, winning four WNBA championships and being named an All-Star six times. She was also named the MVP in 2014. Before her time in the WNBA, Maya had an incredible college career playing for the University of Connecticut, where she won two national championships.
Away from basketball, Maya has been involved in social justice work, helping to overturn a wrongful conviction and working on issues like criminal justice reform. Maya plans to continue her work in social justice and spend more time with her family in this new chapter of her life.
Did Maya Moore Retire - FAQs
Maya Moore retired from professional basketball in January 2023.
Maya Moore won four WNBA championships during her career.
Besides basketball, Maya Moore is known for her advocacy work, particularly in criminal justice reform.
Maya Moore married Jonathan Irons, a man she helped overturn a wrongful conviction for.
After retiring from basketball, Maya Moore's current focus is on her advocacy work, specifically through her non-profit organization "Win with Justice," and spending time with her family.