A New Chapter for an Old Franchise
For Indiana Fever assistant coach Tully Bevilaqua, this Wednesday’s matchup against the Portland Fire at Gainbridge Fieldhouse is far more than just another game on the schedule. It represents a poignant full-circle moment for the 53-year-old Australian, who was one of the foundational players for the original Portland franchise when it debuted in 2000.
The Fire, which ceased operations in 2002 after only three seasons, has finally returned to the WNBA stage this year. For Bevilaqua, the revival feels like the continuation of an unfinished story.
“The team was on a momentum swing, uphill in terms of crowd attendances and records,” Bevilaqua recalled regarding the original squad. “It was a real surprise and a real disappointment when we folded. To have it come back, it’s like we’re getting to finish that story—or not finish it, but restart it.”
The Grit of the Early Years
During her 14-season WNBA career, Bevilaqua played for five different teams, eventually winning a championship with the Seattle Storm in 2004. However, her time in Portland remains a cherished memory defined by resilience and grit. She fondly remembers a 2000 upset against the Los Angeles Sparks—a team led by Lisa Leslie that was on a historic winning streak.
“No one expected us to win,” Bevilaqua said with a laugh. “We were playing them in L.A., missing players. I think we’d gone down to the beach all morning to work on our tans before the game. And we came out, and we won. If you look back at our celebration after that game, it was like we’d just won the championship.”
Professional Loyalties in the Modern Era
Fever head coach Stephanie White, who faced off against Bevilaqua’s Fire squad during their respective playing days, holds a deep respect for the legacy of the Portland organization. “They’re a scrappy, tough team that plays with multiple levels of effort,” White noted. “I’m happy for Portland that they got a team. The Pacific Northwest is a great location for a WNBA team.”
While Bevilaqua celebrates the return of her former team, her current focus is entirely on the Indiana Fever’s championship aspirations, anchored by stars like Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston. She admits that the emotional weight of the reunion will likely be even more significant when the Fever travel to Portland on May 30.
Looking Toward the Future
As the WNBA looks to expand to 18 teams by 2030, Bevilaqua sees a bright future for the league. She expressed excitement about the return of other historic franchises, such as the Cleveland Rockers, and the current surge in popularity surrounding the sport.
“With all the eyes on the league and the attendances, those arenas will fill out like we didn’t maybe back then,” she said. “I can see those numbers are going to be through the roof because they all want a piece of the action now.”