The Sacramento Monarchs is a professional women's basketball team that plays in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team is one of the WNBA's eight original franchises, having played since their inaugural 1997 season at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California.

Uniform

White and dark blue at home with the word Monarchs inscribed in gray. Blue and white on the road with the word Monarchs in gray.

Playoff history

Playoff Appearances: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004

Conference Championships:

WNBA Championships:

History

The Monarchs made an impact in the WNBA almost immediately. With the hiring of Portugal national team player Ticha Penicheiro, popular player Ruthie Bolton and prolific scorer Yolanda Griffith, all of whom have been WNBA all stars, the Monarchs have been able to make the playoffs almost every year so far. The only season they fell short of the playoffs was in 1999, when injuries to their key players prevented them from having a winning record. Despite their achievements, the Monarchs have not advanced to the WNBA finals yet, falling against either the Houston Comets or the Los Angeles Sparks every year.

Retired numbers

Hall of Famers

Not to be forgotten

• Latasha Byears
• Edna Campbell
• La'Keshia Frett
• Bridgette Gordon , now an Assistant Coach for the women's basketball team at Stetson University
• Kedra Holland-Corn
• Tangela Smith
• Kara Wolters

Current stars

• Ruthie Bolton
• Yolanda Griffith
• Lady Grooms , will serving as a scout for the 2005 season while on maternity leave
• Kara Lawson
• Nicole Powell
• Hamchetou Maiga
• Ticha Penicheiro
• Olympia Scott-Richardson
• DeMya Walker

Coaches and others

Head Coaches:

• Mary Murphy (1997)
• Heidi VanDerveer (1997-1998)
• Sonny Allen (1999-2000)
• Maura McHugh (2001-2003)
• John Whisenant (2003-Present), also serves as General Manager

External links

• Monarchs website
• Monarchs Fans discussion newsgroup
• Monarchs fansite