Completed Event: Women's Basketball at Eastern Kentucky on March 19, 2026 , Loss , 58, to, 72
Final Score
Women's Basketball
58
at Eastern Kentucky
72
The University of Utah Athletics
Where Are They Now: Shona Thorburn
8/15/2018 8:51 AM | Women's Basketball
Many athletes dream of having a long and successful professional career after their college playing days are over, but that dream is hard to come by for most. For former Utah standout Shona Thorburn though, that dream is still very much her reality.
Thorburn is heading into her 14th year as a professional women's basketball player this fall. The Hamilton, Ontario, native has played in the WNBA, with some of the best teams in Europe and has gotten to travel the world, but through all of that, she still credits her time at Utah to helping her prepare for her future.
"Well I have been playing professionally for over 12 years now, so I would say it prepared me pretty well," Thorburn laughed. "I have also participated in two Olympics and without my time with the Utes, I don't think my basketball career would have been the same."
Before Thorburn was a star overseas, she was a staple for the Utes. The three-time Mountain West All-Conference selection ranks first all-time in career assists (689), ninth in scoring (1,735), seventh in threes made (583), fourth in free throws made (410), seventh in steals (203) and sixth in defensive rebounds (607).
With all her success, it was no surprise that the pros came knocking. Thorburn was the seventh overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, playing a season with the Minnesotta Lynx and then the Seattle Storm in 2007.
After her time in the WNBA, it was time for a change. Thorburn headed overseas, playing six seasons in Spain, a year in Israel and has played the last six in France.
Like her time with Utah, she has become a pillar for her teams, starting in multiple games, averaging over 30 minutes and scoring over five points a game. While becoming a professional basketball player wasn't easy, Thorburn always looked back at her time at Utah for guidance.
"It is very different playing professionally because there is no one taking care of you," she said. "You are required to eat healthy, make sure you get enough sleep, take care of your body and push yourself to be better. All of these things I learned to do at Utah with Coach Elaine Elliott. She taught me how to push myself and the program prepared me mentally and physically, so when I started my pro career, I felt like I already knew what I needed to do."
And push herself she has. Not only has she been a star in Europe, but Thorburn has also made headlines as a part of the Senior Canadian National Team. She has played in two Olympics, multiple international exhibition games, FIBA Worlds, FIBA Americas and the Pan American games over the years.
Her exposure to international basketball has helped her career in multiple ways, including bringing her into the world of broadcasting after she recently became a commentator for FIBA. Now heading into her seventh year in France, Thorburn is ready to start a new adventure with a familiar face.
"I just recently signed a contract which will give me the opportunity to be reunited with Kim Gaucher (Smith)," Thorburn said. "I think I was 18 when we first played together. We spent four years at the U. together and many years on different levels with Canada Basketball. Now to have the opportunity to possibly end my career with Kim is amazing."
As all athletes know, the schedule can be grueling. With practices, trying to balance a social life, keeping in shape and taking care of your body, the grind can be a lot, but Thorburn wouldn't ask for anything different.
"I get to play the sport I love, that I have made sacrifices for," she said. "Basketball has given me more than the sacrifices I had to make. I have travelled the world, met amazing people and learned so much because of basketball. I really enjoy waking up every morning and going to practice. I am very fortunate." Â
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Thorburn is heading into her 14th year as a professional women's basketball player this fall. The Hamilton, Ontario, native has played in the WNBA, with some of the best teams in Europe and has gotten to travel the world, but through all of that, she still credits her time at Utah to helping her prepare for her future.
"Well I have been playing professionally for over 12 years now, so I would say it prepared me pretty well," Thorburn laughed. "I have also participated in two Olympics and without my time with the Utes, I don't think my basketball career would have been the same."
Before Thorburn was a star overseas, she was a staple for the Utes. The three-time Mountain West All-Conference selection ranks first all-time in career assists (689), ninth in scoring (1,735), seventh in threes made (583), fourth in free throws made (410), seventh in steals (203) and sixth in defensive rebounds (607).
With all her success, it was no surprise that the pros came knocking. Thorburn was the seventh overall pick in the 2006 WNBA Draft, playing a season with the Minnesotta Lynx and then the Seattle Storm in 2007.
After her time in the WNBA, it was time for a change. Thorburn headed overseas, playing six seasons in Spain, a year in Israel and has played the last six in France.
Like her time with Utah, she has become a pillar for her teams, starting in multiple games, averaging over 30 minutes and scoring over five points a game. While becoming a professional basketball player wasn't easy, Thorburn always looked back at her time at Utah for guidance.
"It is very different playing professionally because there is no one taking care of you," she said. "You are required to eat healthy, make sure you get enough sleep, take care of your body and push yourself to be better. All of these things I learned to do at Utah with Coach Elaine Elliott. She taught me how to push myself and the program prepared me mentally and physically, so when I started my pro career, I felt like I already knew what I needed to do."
And push herself she has. Not only has she been a star in Europe, but Thorburn has also made headlines as a part of the Senior Canadian National Team. She has played in two Olympics, multiple international exhibition games, FIBA Worlds, FIBA Americas and the Pan American games over the years.
Her exposure to international basketball has helped her career in multiple ways, including bringing her into the world of broadcasting after she recently became a commentator for FIBA. Now heading into her seventh year in France, Thorburn is ready to start a new adventure with a familiar face.
"I just recently signed a contract which will give me the opportunity to be reunited with Kim Gaucher (Smith)," Thorburn said. "I think I was 18 when we first played together. We spent four years at the U. together and many years on different levels with Canada Basketball. Now to have the opportunity to possibly end my career with Kim is amazing."
As all athletes know, the schedule can be grueling. With practices, trying to balance a social life, keeping in shape and taking care of your body, the grind can be a lot, but Thorburn wouldn't ask for anything different.
"I get to play the sport I love, that I have made sacrifices for," she said. "Basketball has given me more than the sacrifices I had to make. I have travelled the world, met amazing people and learned so much because of basketball. I really enjoy waking up every morning and going to practice. I am very fortunate." Â
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