Sue bird basketball biography

Sue Bird is a renowned American professional basketball player known for her exceptional career in the WNBA. With numerous accolades and a significant impact on the sport, Bird has solidified her place as one of the greatest female basketball players of all time. This post delves into her early life, career achievements, personal life, and some interesting facts.

Sue Bird Wiki, Biography, Net Worth, Husband, Kids, Family & More

Early Life and Education

Sue Bird was born in Syosset, New York, to Herschel and Nancy Bird. Her father is of Russian-Jewish descent. Bird has an older sister named Jen. Bird’s athletic interests began early, inspired by her sister, and she played soccer, tennis, and track in addition to basketball. Bird attended Syosset High School before transferring to Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, New York, where she led her team to a state championship and national title.

College Career

Bird played for the University of Connecticut (UConn) from 1998 to 2002. Despite suffering a torn ACL in her freshman year, she returned to lead UConn to a 36-1 record and the 2000 NCAA Championship in her sophomore year. Bird’s senior year saw UConn go undefeated (39-0) and win another NCAA Championship. She won numerous awards including the Wade Trophy, Honda Sports Award, and Naismith Award.

Professional Career

WNBA Career

• Team: Seattle Storm (2002–2022)
• Position: Point guard
• Number: 10

Bird was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in the 2002 WNBA Draft. She led the Storm to their first playoff appearance and was named to the All-WNBA First Team as a rookie. Bird won four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) and was a 13-time WNBA All-Star. She is the only player in WNBA history to win championships in three different decades.

Overseas Career

Bird played for Dynamo Moscow, Spartak Moscow Region, and UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia during the WNBA off-seasons. She won multiple Russian National League championships and EuroLeague titles with these teams.

National Team Career

Bird represented the USA in international competitions, winning five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and four FIBA World Cups. She is one of only two basketball players, along with Diana Taurasi, to win five Olympic gold medals.

Career Highlights and Awards

• 4× WNBA Champion (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
• 13× WNBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2005–2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)
• 5× All-WNBA First Team (2002–2005, 2016)
• 3× All-WNBA Second Team (2008, 2010, 2011)
• 3× WNBA Assists Leader (2005, 2009, 2016)
• No. 10 Retired by Seattle Storm
• USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (2021)
• NCAA Champion (2000, 2002)
• Naismith College Player of the Year (2002)
• WNBA 10th, 15th, 20th, and 25th Anniversary Teams

Retirement

Bird announced her retirement from professional basketball following the 2022 WNBA season. Her final game was on September 7, 2022, in a playoff loss to the Las Vegas Aces.

Husband/Partner of Sue Bird

Sue Bird is in a high-profile relationship with Megan Rapinoe, a professional soccer player and Olympic gold medalist. The couple began dating in 2016 and became engaged in 2020. They are known for their activism and commitment to social justice causes, often using their platforms to advocate for equality and LGBTQ+ rights.

Family of Sue Bird

Sue Bird was born to Herschel and Nancy Bird. She has one sister, Jen. The Bird family has always been supportive of Sue’s basketball career, attending games and celebrating her numerous achievements.

Some Facts About Sue Bird

• Sue Bird holds both American and Israeli citizenship.
• She is the oldest player in WNBA history to start a game.
• Bird has been included in the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time list.
• She co-founded “We Got Game,” an initiative to promote women’s sports.
• Bird is known for her calm demeanor and exceptional leadership on and off the court.