Tina Charles has been a dominant force in basketball for over a decade. Known for her fierce presence in the paint and smooth mid-range game, she’s one of the most decorated players to grace the WNBA since her explosive debut in 2010.
From New York roots to Olympic gold and MVP honors, she has carved a path defined by both excellence and evolution. Whether leading the league in scoring or anchoring a new roster, she’s remained a cornerstone wherever she’s played.
Now suiting up for the Connecticut Sun once again, her journey comes full circle. But there’s more to her than stat sheets and accolades — her story is one of purpose, power, and a relentless drive that continues to shape her legacy.
How old is Tina Charles?
Born on December 5, 1988, in Jamaica, Queens, New York, Tina Charles has become a household name in women’s basketball, and at 36, her game continues to defy the clock. Her longevity in the league isn’t just a testament to her skill but to her unrelenting discipline.
Even after over a decade in the WNBA and multiple stints overseas, she hasn’t slowed down. Instead, she’s adapted, evolved, and refined her role — moving from a franchise star to a veteran leader, offering both impact and experience.
How tall is Tina Charles?
Standing at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), Tina Charles brings more than just size to the court, she brings control. Her height has long given her an edge in the post, but it’s her court vision and footwork that elevate her from good to elite.
From her UConn days under Geno Auriemma to her WNBA peak, she has used her physicality to dominate inside, grab rebounds in traffic, and make defenders second-guess every move. In an era that prizes versatility, her stature remains one of her most effective weapons.
Tina Charles’ love life and family
Tina Charles continues to keep her private life well out of the public eye. Unlike many athletes of her stature, she’s never made headlines for her relationships or personal affairs — and that appears to be by design.
Her connection to family, however, remains a defining part of her off-court identity. The memory of her aunt, Maureen “Hopey” Vaz, continues to power her work through the Hopey’s Heart Foundation, which has placed over 500 AED devices across schools and community spaces in the U.S. and abroad.
What is Tina Charles’ jersey number?
Back in a Connecticut Sun uniform for the second straight season, Tina Charles enters the 2025 WNBA campaign once again wearing jersey number 31 — the same number she wore as a rookie 15 years ago.
Her decision to stick with #31 throughout her career speaks to a deep sense of consistency. Whether dominating with the Liberty, chasing titles with the Mystics and Mercury, or returning to her original team, that number has traveled with her.
Tina Charles’ career highlights
- NCAA Champion with UConn (2009): She played under legendary coach Geno Auriemma at the University of Connecticut, where she helped lead the Huskies to an undefeated season and a national title in 2009. She was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player.
- No. 1 Overall Pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft: Selected first by the Connecticut Sun, she made an immediate impact in the league. Her rookie season remains one of the strongest in WNBA history.
- WNBA Rookie of the Year (2010): She set the tone early, averaging a double-double and earning the Rookie of the Year award. She also broke the league’s single-season rebounding record that same year.
- WNBA MVP (2012): As a member of the Sun, she captured the league MVP after averaging 18 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Her dominance in the paint and leadership made her the centerpiece of the franchise.
- Multiple All-WNBA and All-Star Selections: She has been named to multiple All-WNBA First and Second Teams and earned several All-Star nods throughout her career, cementing her place among the league’s elite players.
- Olympic Gold Medals (2012, 2016, 2021): Representing Team USA, she won three Olympic gold medals. Her presence in the rotation brought defensive toughness and veteran stability to an already stacked roster.
- Scoring Champion (2016): With the New York Liberty, she led the WNBA in scoring, averaging 21.5 points per game. It was one of her most individually dominant seasons.
- Over 7,000 Career Points and 3,500 Rebounds: She is one of only a handful of players to surpass 7,000 points and 3,500 rebounds in a WNBA career — a feat that speaks to both her longevity and productivity.
- Humanitarian Impact and the “Hopey’s Heart Foundation”: Off the court, she has been equally impactful. She founded the Hopey’s Heart Foundation in 2013 to place AED devices in schools and recreational centers after the loss of her aunt to heart failure.