Suzanne Bird is a name you may have heard of before. But did you know that she is more than a basketball player? Bird is a social activist, twelve-time All Star, and a former WNBA player. Continue reading to learn more about this extraordinary basketball player. Find out more about her social activism as well as what she's been up too since retiring. We also learn her involvement with charitable work.
Sue Bird is a 12-time All-Star
Sue Bird, Seattle Storm's guard, was selected to play in the 2022 WNBA All-Star match. Bird is a four time WNBA champion, and the career assists leader. She is now at the ten-year mark, one more than Tamika Catchings' 11. A'ja Wilson (both Seattle Storm teammates) was also selected as co-captains. After the 2022 season, Sue Bird will be retiring from the league.
She has been selected eight times for All-WNBA.
The WNBA draft can be a very fast-paced event that players quickly forget about. A player plays for their college team for a year or two, declares for the draft, and is on a professional roster before the title game is forgotten entirely. Sue Bird, the draft's first pick in 2002, was no exception. She was a three-time All-American from UConn and won the Wade Trophy. Her impressive resume landed her with the Seattle Storm.
She is a social activist
As one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Sue Bird has also been an activist in her own right. As a high school student, her experiences with the WNBA's union and the challenges of protecting a growing league while advocating for change have shown her the value of these relationships. Bird's commitment to women's equality has even led her to invest in a team in the newly formed NWSL league. Fortune interviewed Bird to discuss her personal journey and how she handles her day as a professional sportswoman.
She was a former WNBA athlete
Sue Bird is a rare icon as one of the most decorated women's players in the history the league. Although she was a controversial figure on the court, her off-court activism has soared her to new heights. In addition to launching her own media company, Sue Bird has become an icon in the women's community. She has spoken out about her homosexuality and been a vocal supporter for Brittney griner, among many other achievements. Sue Bird is also an active participant in politics, helping to negotiate the historic collective bargaining agreement which will result in women's basketball players being unionized.
She is a coach of basketball
Suzanne Bird is a professional American basketball player. She currently plays for the Seattle Storm in the Women's National Basketball Association. Bird was drafted number one in the 2002 WNBA draft. Many consider her to be one of the greatest players ever to play in the WNBA. Bird teaches basketball at Seattle University School of Business. Here are five ways she is a great coach.
She was part of the USA Basketball team.
Sue Bird was recruited by Vanderbilt, Connecticut, and Stanford. The latter were her top choices but she was worried about Connecticut's rivals. After considering her options carefully, she chose UConn due its close proximity to her hometown and winning tradition. Bird won four world championships while playing for the team and was awarded the WNBA's player of the year award twice. Her greatest contribution to the sport came on the international level.