You might have heard of Suzanne Bird before, but did you know she's more than just a basketball player? Bird is a social activist. 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 Guard, has been selected for the 2022 WNBA All-Star team. Bird is a former career assists leader and a fourtime WNBA champion. Her selection puts her at a ten-year-old record, one less than Tamika Catchings's 11. A'ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm teammates, were also selected to the game as WNBA All-Stars. 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, who was the first selection in the 2002 draft is no exception. She was a three-time All-American, won the Wade Trophy, as well as being named College Player of the Year. Her impressive resume landed her with the Seattle Storm.
She is a social activist
Sue Bird, one of the most iconic basketball players ever, has been an activist as well. She was a high school senior when the WNBA began, and her involvement in the union has taught her about the challenges involved with protecting a rapidly growing league and advocating change. Bird's support for women's equality has led her even to invest in a team within the new 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 participant
Sue Bird is an unassuming icon. She was one of most decorated women's basketball player in the history. Although she was a controversial player on the court; her activism off it has taken her to new heights. Sue Bird is an icon of the women's community, and she also launched her own media business. One of her many achievements is that she came out as gay, and has been vocal in support for Brittney Griner. Sue Bird was also involved in the political arena by helping negotiate the landmark collective agreement that will result in the unionization of women's basketball.
She is a coach of basketball
Suzanne Bird is an American professional player of basketball. She currently plays for the Seattle Storm in the Women's National Basketball Association. Bird was drafted as the first overall pick in 2002's WNBA draft. Her accomplishments as a player have led many to consider her one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Bird teaches at the Seattle University School of Business basketball. Here are five reasons Bird is a great coach:
She was part the USA Basketball team.
Vanderbilt and Stanford recruited Sue Bird. The latter were her top choices but she was worried about Connecticut's rivals. After considering all her options, she decided on UConn because it was close to her home and its winning tradition. Bird was a part of four world championships, and twice won the WNBA Player of the year award. Perhaps her greatest contribution to the sport was on the international stage.