What is Sue Bird's full birth name and date of birth?

Sue Bird's full birth name is Suzanne Brigit Bird, and she was born on October 16, 1980.

Which WNBA team did Sue Bird play for throughout her entire professional career?

Sue Bird played her entire professional career with the Seattle Storm in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

In what year was Sue Bird drafted into the WNBA, and what was her draft position?

Sue Bird was drafted first overall in the 2002 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm.

How is Sue Bird regarded in the history of the WNBA?

Sue Bird is considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history, known for her longevity and numerous achievements.

What unique WNBA record does Sue Bird hold regarding championships across different decades?

As of 2024, Sue Bird is the only WNBA player to have won championships in three different decades.

What role did Sue Bird hold with the NBA's Denver Nuggets?

Sue Bird held a front office position with the NBA's Denver Nuggets as their Basketball Operations Associate.

When was Sue Bird inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame?

Sue Bird was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025.

What are Sue Bird's nationalities?

Sue Bird holds dual citizenship with the United States and Israel.

What significant awards did Sue Bird receive during her senior year at the University of Connecticut (UConn)?

In her senior year at UConn in 2002, Sue Bird won the Wade Trophy and the Naismith Award, recognizing her as the College Player of the Year.

How did Sue Bird perform academically and athletically at UConn?

Sue Bird was a standout player at UConn, leading her team to a record of 114 wins and only 4 losses during her college career, and she also excelled academically, earning multiple awards.

What was Sue Bird's overall record at UConn during her playing career?

Sue Bird's record at UConn in games she played was an impressive 114 wins and 4 losses.

How many WNBA championships has Sue Bird won with the Seattle Storm?

Sue Bird has won four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm, in the years 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020.

How many Olympic gold medals has Sue Bird won, and in which years?

Sue Bird has won five Olympic gold medals, participating in the 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020 Olympic Games.

What other major international basketball championships has Sue Bird won?

In addition to Olympic gold medals, Sue Bird has won four FIBA World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018) and five EuroLeague Women championships.

What distinction does Sue Bird share with Diana Taurasi regarding Olympic medals?

Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi are the only two Olympic basketball players, male or female, to have won five gold medals each.

When did Sue Bird announce her retirement from professional basketball?

Sue Bird publicly announced her retirement from professional basketball on June 16, 2022, intending to conclude her career after the 2022 WNBA season.

Where was Sue Bird born, and what is her father's ancestry?

Sue Bird was born in Syosset, New York. Her father's ancestry is Russian-Jewish, and her paternal grandparents immigrated from Ukraine.

How did Sue Bird obtain Israeli citizenship?

Sue Bird obtained Israeli citizenship based on her Jewish father and paternal grandparents, which helped circumvent European league rules limiting the number of American players.

Which high school did Sue Bird attend for her freshman and sophomore years, and why did she transfer?

Sue Bird attended Syosset High School for her freshman and sophomore years but transferred to Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, New York, seeking more competitive play.

What significant achievements did Sue Bird accomplish during her college career at UConn?

During her college career, Sue Bird won two NCAA National Championships, was a three-time winner of the Nancy Lieberman Award for top point guard, and received the Wade Trophy and Naismith Award in her senior year.

What was Sue Bird's career-high in points per game during the WNBA regular season?

Sue Bird's career-high in points per game during the WNBA regular season was 14.7 in the 2011 season.

What is Sue Bird's career total for assists in the WNBA, and where does she rank all-time?

Sue Bird accumulated 3,234 assists in her WNBA career, ranking her first all-time in that category.

How many times was Sue Bird selected as a WNBA All-Star?

Sue Bird was selected as a WNBA All-Star 13 times throughout her career.

What is Sue Bird's career three-point field goal percentage in the WNBA?

Sue Bird's career three-point field goal percentage in the WNBA is 39.2%.

What was Sue Bird's role in the WNBA Players Union?

In August 2018, Sue Bird was elected vice president of the WNBA Players Union, playing a key role in negotiations, particularly concerning player activism and social justice messages during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What significant event occurred in Sue Bird's personal life in July 2017?

In July 2017, Sue Bird publicly came out as a lesbian and revealed she was dating soccer player Megan Rapinoe, whom she met at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

What distinction did Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe achieve in 2018?

In 2018, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe became the first same-sex couple to be featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's 'Body Issue'.

In what year did Sue Bird become a part-owner of NJ/NY Gotham FC?

In 2022, Sue Bird became a part-owner of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) franchise NJ/NY Gotham FC.

What honor did Mattel bestow upon Sue Bird in July 2024?

In July 2024, Mattel announced the creation of a Sue Bird Barbie doll as part of the Barbie brand's 65th anniversary celebration.

What is Sue Bird's career regular season games played total in the WNBA, and what record does this represent?

Sue Bird played 580 regular season games in the WNBA, which is the all-time record for games played.

How many times has Sue Bird been recognized on WNBA's all-time player lists?

Sue Bird has been honored on multiple WNBA all-time player lists, including the WNBA 10th Anniversary Team (2006), WNBA 15th Anniversary Team (2011), WNBA Top 20@20 (2016), and The W25 (2021).

What was Sue Bird's role in the 2020 WNBA season, which was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic?

In the 2020 season, played in a 'wubble' at IMG Academy due to the pandemic, Sue Bird played limited games due to a knee aggravation but helped the Storm win their fourth WNBA championship, becoming the first player to win titles in three different decades.

What is Sue Bird's career regular season assist average in the WNBA?

Sue Bird's career regular season assist average in the WNBA is 5.6 assists per game.

How many times has Sue Bird been named to the All-WNBA First Team?

Sue Bird has been named to the All-WNBA First Team five times in her career.

What distinction did Sue Bird achieve in the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup?

In the 2018 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, Sue Bird became the only player in history, male or female, to win four World Cup gold medals.

What was Sue Bird's role in the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021?

In the lead-up to the Tokyo Summer Olympics in 2021, Sue Bird had the honor of carrying the U.S. flag as a flag bearer during the opening ceremony.

What is Sue Bird's career regular season points total in the WNBA?

Sue Bird scored a total of 6,803 points in her WNBA regular season career.

How many times has Sue Bird won the EuroLeague Women championship?

Sue Bird has won the EuroLeague Women championship five times.

What is Sue Bird's career regular season games played total in the WNBA?

Sue Bird played 580 regular season games in the WNBA, which is the all-time record for games played.

What was Sue Bird's highest assist total per game in a single WNBA regular season?

Sue Bird achieved a career-high in assists per game in the 2017 WNBA season, averaging 6.6 assists per game.

What significant honor did Seattle bestow upon Sue Bird in August 2024?

In August 2024, the city of Seattle renamed a street near Climate Pledge Arena to 'Sue Bird Court' in her honor.

How many times has Sue Bird been invited to the White House, and for what reasons?

Sue Bird has been invited to the White House six times, receiving invitations from every sitting U.S. president since George H. W. Bush, for her championship achievements as a collegiate player, professional player, and as part of an ownership group.

What is Sue Bird's career playoff points per game average in the WNBA?

Sue Bird averaged 11.7 points per game in her WNBA playoff career.

What distinction did Sue Bird achieve in the 2016 WNBA season regarding All-WNBA selections?

In the 2016 season, Sue Bird was named to the All-WNBA First Team for the fifth time in her career, and the first time in 12 years.

What record did Sue Bird break on September 1, 2017, in the WNBA?

On September 1, 2017, Sue Bird became the WNBA's all-time leader in assists, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro.

What was Sue Bird's role in the WNBA's 'The W25' list?

Sue Bird was honored as part of 'The W25,' the WNBA's list recognizing the 25 greatest and most influential players in the league's history, selected to commemorate its 25th season in 2021.

What was Sue Bird's career-high in assists per game during a single WNBA regular season?

Sue Bird achieved a career-high in assists per game during the 2017 WNBA season, averaging 6.6 assists per game.

What is Sue Bird's career regular season three-point percentage in the WNBA?

Sue Bird's career regular season three-point percentage in the WNBA is 39.2%.

What was Sue Bird's highest points per game average in a single WNBA regular season?

Sue Bird's highest points per game average in a single WNBA regular season was 14.7 in 2011.

How many times has Sue Bird been selected for the WNBA All-Star game?

Sue Bird has been selected for the WNBA All-Star game 13 times.

What is Sue Bird's career regular season assist total in the WNBA?

Sue Bird's career regular season assist total in the WNBA is 3,234.

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Early Life and Foundations

Birth and Family

Suzanne Brigit Bird was born on October 16, 1980, in Syosset, New York, to Herschel and Nancy Bird. She has an older sister, Jen. Her father's heritage is Russian-Jewish, with his parents immigrating from Ukraine. The family name was originally "Boorda" before being changed to "Bird" upon her grandfather's arrival in the United States.

Dual Nationality and Identity

To navigate European basketball league regulations limiting foreign players, Bird obtained dual citizenship with Israel, stemming from her Jewish paternal lineage. However, she has consistently represented the United States, her birth country, in all international competitions.

Early Athletic Inclinations

Bird displayed athletic prowess from a young age, influenced by her sister. Beyond basketball, she excelled in soccer, tennis, and track. By the sixth grade, she was playing Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball, demonstrating exceptional talent early on, even receiving autograph requests as a child.

High School Acclaim

National Recognition

Bird began her high school career at Syosset High School before transferring to Christ the King Regional High School in Queens, New York, seeking a more competitive environment. Her tenure there culminated in an undefeated season and a state championship, alongside a national title. She garnered numerous accolades, including New York State Player of the Year and WBCA All-American honors.

All-America Performance

Bird's exceptional performance earned her a spot in the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) High School All-America Game. Her contributions were recognized nationally, solidifying her status as a top collegiate prospect.

College Dominance at UConn

Championship Pedigree

Bird committed to the University of Connecticut (UConn), a powerhouse in women's basketball. Despite an early ACL injury in her freshman year, she returned to lead the Huskies to a remarkable record. Her sophomore and senior seasons saw UConn secure NCAA National Championships (2000, 2002), cementing her legacy as a collegiate champion.

Individual Honors

Her individual accolades at UConn were extensive. Bird received the Wade Trophy, Honda Sports Award, and Naismith Award as College Player of the Year in 2002. She also claimed the Nancy Lieberman Award, recognizing the nation's top point guard, three times. She finished her collegiate career holding top rankings in three-point and free-throw percentages, and second in assists and steals.

Collegiate Statistics

Bird's statistical output at UConn was exceptional. Over 118 games, she averaged 11.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game, while shooting an impressive 45.9% from three-point range. Her senior season stats were particularly outstanding, averaging 14.4 points and 5.9 assists.

NCAA Statistics Summary
Year	Team	GP	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	PPG
1998–99	Connecticut	8	N/A	.390	.316	.750	2.0	3.1	1.5	5.1
1999–00*	Connecticut	37	N/A	.502	.497	.898	2.5	4.3	1.9	10.9
2000–01	Connecticut	34	N/A	.443	.432	.778	2.6	5.0	1.9	10.9
2001–02*	Connecticut	39	N/A	.505	.466	.942	3.4	5.9	2.5	14.4
Career	118	N/A	.481	.459	.892	2.8	5.0	2.0	11.7

* Denotes NCAA Championship season.

Professional Career: Seattle Storm

Draft and Rookie Season

Bird was selected as the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft by the Seattle Storm. She immediately made an impact, starting all 32 games in her rookie season, averaging 14.4 points per game, and earning a spot on the All-WNBA First Team. She was a runner-up for Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Storm to their first playoff appearance.

Championship Dynasty

Bird was instrumental in the Seattle Storm's four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020). Her leadership, clutch performances, and consistent excellence were key factors in the team's sustained success across three different decades, a feat unmatched in the league.

Record-Breaking Achievements

Throughout her 20-year WNBA career, Bird set numerous records. She holds the all-time records for seasons played (20), games played (580), assists (3,234), minutes played (18,080), and All-Star selections (13). She is also among the top players in points, steals, and three-pointers made, underscoring her all-around dominance.

International Stints

Russian League Success

During WNBA off-seasons, Bird played professionally in Russia for teams like Dynamo Moscow and UMMC Ekaterinburg. She achieved significant success, winning multiple Russian League championships and EuroLeague Women titles, further demonstrating her global impact and skill.

National Team Excellence

Five-Time Olympic Champion

Bird's international career is highlighted by an unprecedented five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020). This remarkable achievement places her among the most decorated Olympians in basketball history, showcasing her enduring commitment and peak performance on the world stage.

World Cup Dominance

She also contributed significantly to USA Basketball's success in FIBA World Cups, winning gold medals in 2002, 2010, 2014, and 2018. Her leadership and playmaking were crucial in these victories, making her the only player, male or female, to achieve four World Cup gold medals.

Personal Life and Ventures

Public Advocacy

Bird publicly came out as lesbian in 2017, sharing her relationship with soccer superstar Megan Rapinoe. They became the first same-sex couple featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue" and have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and equality.

Ownership and Influence

Post-playing career, Bird has transitioned into ownership roles, becoming a minority investor in the NWSL's NJ/NY Gotham FC and joining the ownership group of the Seattle Storm. She also serves as the first managing director for the USA Basketball women's national team, shaping the future of the sport.

WNBA Career Statistics

Statistical Overview

Sue Bird's WNBA career statistics reflect her unparalleled longevity and consistent high-level performance. She retired as the league's all-time leader in several key categories, demonstrating her impact across multiple facets of the game.

WNBA Regular Season Statistics
Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PPG
2002	Seattle	32	32	35.0	.403	.401	.911°	2.6	6.0	1.7	0.1	3.4	14.4
2003	Seattle	34	34	33.4	.421	.350	.884	2.5	6.5	1.4	0.0	3.2	12.4
2004†	Seattle	34	34	33.4	.463	.438	.859	3.1	5.4	1.5	0.2	2.5	12.9
2005	Seattle	30	30	34.0	.442	.437	.855	2.4	5.9°	1.0	0.2	2.9	12.1
2006	Seattle	34	34	31.3	.411	.366	.868	3.0	4.8	1.8	0.1	2.5	11.4
2007	Seattle	29	29	31.7	.428	.338	.846	2.0	4.9	1.5	0.3	2.3	10.4
2008	Seattle	33	33	33.7	.441	.343	.871	2.5	5.1	1.2	0.1	2.6	14.1
2009	Seattle	31	31	35.5	.408	.360	.854	2.5	5.8°	1.5	0.1	2.6	12.8
2010†	Seattle	33	33	30.5	.434	.399	.857	2.7	5.8	1.5	0.2	1.8	11.1
2011	Seattle	34	34	33.0	.449	.428	.875	2.9	4.9	1.4	0.2	2.3	14.7
2012	Seattle	29	29	31.0	.459	.384	.783	2.9	5.3	0.9	0.1	2.2	12.2
2014	Seattle	33	33	29.2	.386	.345	.831	2.2	4.0	0.8	0.0	2.2	10.6
2015	Seattle	27	27	28.6	.384	.301	.796	2.3	5.4	0.9	0.1	2.4	10.3
2016	Seattle	34	34	31.6	.449	.444	.786	2.9	5.8	1.0	0.2	2.5	12.8
2017	Seattle	30	30	30.0	.427	.393	.774	2.0	6.6	1.2	0.2	2.0	10.6
2018†	Seattle	31	31	26.5	.466	.448	.828	1.7	7.1	1.1	0.1	1.9	10.1
2020†	Seattle	11	11	23.4	.494	.469	.750	1.7	5.2	0.6	0.2	1.6	9.8
2021	Seattle	30	30	27.7	.431	.419	.833	2.6	5.3	0.9	0.1	1.6	10.0
2022	Seattle	31	31	26.4	.403	.389	1.000	1.9	6.0	1.2	0.1	1.9	7.8
Career	19 years, 1 team	580	580	31.2	.429	.392	.853	2.5	5.6	1.3	0.1	2.4	11.7

† Denotes WNBA Champion season. ° Denotes League Leader.

Distinguished Honors

WNBA Accolades

Bird's WNBA career is adorned with numerous prestigious awards, including four WNBA championships, a Commissioner's Cup title, 12 All-Star selections, and multiple All-WNBA First and Second Team nods. She is recognized as the all-time leader in several statistical categories and has been consistently honored as one of the league's greatest players.

Collegiate and International Honors

Her collegiate achievements include two NCAA championships and multiple Player of the Year awards. Internationally, she boasts five Olympic gold medals and four FIBA World Cup gold medals, underscoring her status as a global basketball icon.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Bird's monumental contributions to the sport have been recognized with induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2025) and the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (2025), affirming her place among the all-time greats.

Further Exploration

Related Basketball Figures

Explore connections to other prominent figures in women's basketball, including her UConn teammates and fellow Olympians.

UConn Huskies women's basketball
List of athletes with the most Olympic appearances
List of UConn players with 1000+ points
List of UConn players with 500+ assists
WNBA career scoring leaders
WNBA career assists leaders

Cultural and Identity Connections

Discover Sue Bird's connections to her Jewish heritage and her role within the LGBTQ+ community.

List of select Jewish basketball players
List of Jewish Olympic medalists

Teacher's Corner

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References

Nancy Lieberman played 9 minutes in 1 game at age 50 years and 23 days.

Sue Bird is gay, not that it matters to progressive WNBA, fans

SUE BIRD TO RE-SIGN WITH SEATTLE STORM

Sue Bird EMBED THIS GUARD, STORM

Bird, Rapinoe (September 25, 2024). A Touch More: The Road IS Good: Diana Taurasiâs next chapter, MVP News, Plus Wise Words From Uzo Aduba (Podcast). Retrieved September 26, 2024 â via YouTube.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Sue Bird Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on publicly available data and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional sports advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional sports analysis or consultation. Always refer to official league statistics and reputable sports journalism for the most current and detailed information.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Sue Bird: The Unrivaled Legacy of a Basketball Icon

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Early Life and Foundations 🌱

🎂 Birth and Family

🌍 Dual Nationality and Identity

🏀 Early Athletic Inclinations

High School Acclaim ⭐

🏆 National Recognition

🌟 All-America Performance

College Dominance at UConn 🎓

👑 Championship Pedigree

🥇 Individual Honors

📊 Collegiate Statistics

Professional Career: Seattle Storm ⚡

🌟 Draft and Rookie Season

🏆 Championship Dynasty

🏅 Record-Breaking Achievements

International Stints 🌍

🇷🇺 Russian League Success

National Team Excellence 🇺🇸

🥇 Five-Time Olympic Champion

🏆 World Cup Dominance

Personal Life and Ventures ❤️

🏳️‍🌈 Public Advocacy

🤝 Ownership and Influence

WNBA Career Statistics 📈

📊 Statistical Overview

Distinguished Honors 🏆

🌟 WNBA Accolades

🏅 Collegiate and International Honors

🏛️ Hall of Fame Inductions

Further Exploration 🔗

🏀 Related Basketball Figures

✡️ Cultural and Identity Connections

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Early Life and Foundations

Birth and Family

Dual Nationality and Identity

Early Athletic Inclinations

High School Acclaim

National Recognition

All-America Performance

College Dominance at UConn

Championship Pedigree

Individual Honors

Collegiate Statistics

Professional Career: Seattle Storm

Draft and Rookie Season

Championship Dynasty

Record-Breaking Achievements

International Stints

Russian League Success

National Team Excellence

Five-Time Olympic Champion

World Cup Dominance

Personal Life and Ventures

Public Advocacy

Ownership and Influence

WNBA Career Statistics

Statistical Overview

Distinguished Honors

WNBA Accolades

Collegiate and International Honors

Hall of Fame Inductions

Further Exploration

Related Basketball Figures

Cultural and Identity Connections

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice