Uncasville, CT — You read that right. Alyssa Thomas, the Connecticut Sun’s powerhouse forward, has no labrums in either shoulder, giving her limited shoulder rotation—yet she’s one of the WNBA’s most dominant all-around players.
After multiple surgeries, Thomas has had to completely reinvent her shot mechanics. Her free throws and jump shots look unconventional—but they work. She’s become one of the league’s most versatile and fearless players, often acting as her team’s primary ball-handler, defender, and scorer—all while battling chronic shoulder pain.
Despite her physical challenges, Thomas nearly averaged a triple-double in 2023 and led the league in total rebounds and assists. She also broke the single-season record for most triple-doubles and led the Sun deep into the playoffs.
Her toughness and grit have earned her the nickname “The Engine” from teammates—and for good reason. Watching Alyssa Thomas dominate despite her injuries is one of the most inspiring stories in sports.
