Wednesday, 4 July 2012:

Australian women's basketballer Tully Bevilaqua has announced her retirement, effective at the end of 2012.

Bevilaqua, playing in the US-based WNBA with the San Antonio Silver Stars, has been a stalwart of both the American competition and Australia's WNBL.

The West Australian guard has previously played in Australia with the Perth Breakers (1991-2000), Perth Lynx (2003-2004), Canberra Capitals (2004-2008) and West Coast Waves (2010-2011).

She was a member of Australia's World Championship Opals team in 2006 and also won a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

A 14-year veteran, Bevilaqua has played in 449 WNBA career games, notching more than 1900 points, and is one of only four players to record 800 career assists and 500 career steals.

"It is with both sadness and excitement that I am officially announcing my retirement at the end of the 2012 WNBA season," the 39-year-old said.

"I have been honoured to play in this league for 14 years but am excited to make my house a home and spend more time with my family."

Bevilaqua began her WNBA career with the Cleveland Rockers in 1998. She spent three seasons with the Portland Fire (2000-02) and two with Seattle (2003-04), helping the Storm to a WNBA Championship in 2004 alongside Jayco Opals teammate Lauren Jackson.

A six-time WNBA All-Defensive Team honouree, Bevilaqua spent six seasons (2005-10) with the Indiana Fever, helping the team to five playoff appearances, including three Eastern Conference Finals bids.

AAP