The Connecticut Sun is facing issues both on and off the court. The WNBA is blocking its sale to Boston’s minority stakeholder; the Sun Owners came up with four options to fast-track the sale. On the court, the team is also struggling to make a significant push for the postseason, but on Saturday night, it was a celebratory environment, thanks to Tina Charles’ efforts.
Close to the season finale, the Sun hosted a tough opponent, the Phoenix Mercury for the last time. Following a massive win, the veteran forward took opportunity to thank fans though there is one more final home game left in the season.
Tina Charles Thanks Fans For Support
The Connecticut Sun was first team to be eliminated from the playoff race following a poor start and midseason run. They made to the playoffs eight seasons in a row from 2017 but the ongoing season had been very tough on them with major shakeup on the roster.
Return of the franchise’s superstar rookie was big win for them, but even her efforts fall short of putting them into the postseason contention. Still the team fought every game putting their whole hearted efforts and the recent result was indication of the same.
Playing against the fourth-seeded Mercury team, they were down for most of the game but kept the scoreboard ticking to stay within touching distance. In the final seconds, Rookie Leila Lacan gave the side a lead with a layup and drained four free throws to seal an incredible 87-84 win. Tina Charles once again was the difference maker with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the game.
“I want to thank our fans for sticking with us all year long,” Charles said. “It’s been a rough season. We’ve been able to turn it around and pick it up. That’s why I wanted to come back to Connecticut. The faces have changed, but the love has always been the same, so very thankful,” the former UConn player said after the game.
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TINA CHARLES IS THAT 🤬#BringTheHeat | #SunWin pic.twitter.com/Uqt7Kv8wfB
— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) September 6, 2025
Her return to the Sun was very productive as Charles surpassed Sylvia Fowles in double-double record and now just 18 points away from a franchise record for most points in a single season, held by DeWanna Bonner.
Tina Charles’ Heart Foundation Gets Major Boost From Connecticut Sun
While the veteran forward is delivering on the court for the franchise, management took care of her off court non-profit venture. Former Sun rookie was part of the Hopey’s Heart Foundation. The organization aims to provide 500 AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) among different communities. While the foundation works toward creating awareness about heart issues, the medical equipment helps heart patients.
They recently received $ 20,000 donation from Yale New Haven Health. The doner organization is long term Connecticut sun partner and With each AED costing thousands of dollars, the donation will help the foundation reach its goal.
“Today meant everything. I just want to say thank you to Yale New Haven Health for wanting to pledge that $20,000 for Hopey’s Heart Foundation to place 17 more AEDs to get to 500. Hopey’s Heart has been able to keep communities’ hearts safe, and it just means the world to me,” Charles thanked the health organization.
PRESS RELEASE: Tina Charles’ Hopey’s Heart Foundation Receives $20,000 Donation from Yale New Haven Health
— Connecticut Sun PR (@CTSunPR) September 6, 2025
Details: https://t.co/L7LUC2djgF pic.twitter.com/zOozPbHS2K
She is confident that the foundation will reach its target by fall. On the court, she will be aiming for even stronger season with her franchise next season.