Loss of Training Intention
Charles told The Athletic that her motivation began to fade when the fundamental aspects of her preparation changed. She explained: When you do the things that nobody sees, you're going in to go work out, to strengthen your body and do all those little things — that started to escape me. I always showed up, but just the intention and why I'm doing it, it started to feel like work versus like what it used to. This shift signaled to her that it was time to consider stepping away.
Clarity from Final China Series
In late March 2026, Charles traveled to China to play in a best-of-five series with Henan Phoenix. Playing in four games, she averaged 22 points and eight rebounds over 29 minutes per game. Going into that decisive Game 4, Charles knew it could be her last basketball game. She put on and took off her uniform that day understanding it could be the final time she ever did that. It was. Through the festivities and celebration after Henan's victory, Charles felt something different — a true sense of clarity — that retirement was the right choice.
Peace with Moving On
Charles stated she has retired from professional basketball and is at peace with moving away from the hardwood. She reflected on her journey: I'm very thankful for the career that I've been able to have, the experiences I was able to have. I gave everything to this game, and the game gave me everything that I needed to become who I am. So now, it's just time to apply that same standard of what I held myself to on the court to what's next.
Perspective from Playing Young Players
During her 2025 return to the Connecticut Sun, Charles played alongside younger players who gave her perspective. She explained: They pushed me in a different way. It wasn't just about competing, it was about adapting and learning and understanding where I fit in a new version of the game. It's like they brought the energy, I brought the experience, and somewhere in that I was able to gain clarity. She recognized it was a full circle moment — remembering when she was in their shoes and recognizing when it was their time to grow. 
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