Sue Bird Jersey Retirement: Megan Rapinoe on Sue Bird Retirement
by Alaguvelan M | Updated Jun 13, 2023
Sue Bird
Sue Bird, an esteemed retired American professional basketball player, dedicated her entire career to the Seattle Storm of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Regarded as one of the greatest players in WNBA history, Bird was chosen as the first overall pick by the Storm in the 2002 WNBA draft. Her impact on the game is undeniable, as she stands as the sole WNBA player to have secured championships in three different decades.
Notably, Bird also served as the Basketball Operations Associate for the NBA's Denver Nuggets and played for three teams in Russia, while proudly holding dual U.S. and Israeli citizenship.
Bird's list of accolades is truly remarkable. She boasts an impressive four WNBA championships with the Storm (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020), an extraordinary five Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020), two NCAA Championships with UConn (2000, 2002), and four FIBA World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014, 2018). Her achievements have placed her among the elite, with only eleven women having attained all four of these prestigious honors.
Bird is a five-time EuroLeague Women champion (2007-2010, 2013), further solidifying her dominance in the sport. Throughout her illustrious WNBA career, she has been selected to an impressive thirteen WNBA All-Star teams and eight All-WNBA teams.
Born in Syosset, New York, Bird honed her skills at Christ the King High School in Queens, New York. Her talent was undeniable, earning her the distinction of being a five-star recruit and the top-ranked player in the class of 2000.
Bird ultimately chose to continue her basketball journey at the University of Connecticut, where she played an instrumental role in securing two NCAA championships for the Huskies. Her exceptional performance led to her being named the Big East Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002, in addition to earning two All-American honors.
Following her successful collegiate career, Bird's professional journey commenced when she was selected as the first overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2002 WNBA draft. It did not take long for her to establish herself as one of the league's brightest stars. In her rookie season, she earned the honor of being named to both the All-WNBA First Team and the WNBA All-Rookie Team, while also leading the league in assists.
Bird's exceptional talent continued to shine throughout her WNBA career. She has been recognized as a member of the All-WNBA First Team on eight occasions and the All-WNBA Second Team five times. Furthermore, she has been chosen for the WNBA All-Defensive Team twice, solidifying her prowess on both ends of the court.
Notably, Bird's impact extends far beyond the WNBA. She has been a key figure on the international stage, capturing an astounding five Olympic gold medals with the United States women's national basketball team. Additionally, she has triumphed four times in the FIBA World Cup, showcasing her unparalleled skills and leadership.
Bird's remarkable achievements have solidified her status as one of the most decorated athletes in American history. She serves as an inspiration to young girls and women everywhere, epitomizing the resilience and tenacity required to succeed in the face of adversity. As a pioneer in women's basketball, Bird has played a vital role in reshaping perceptions of women's sports and has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball.
Sue Bird Jersey Retirement
The recent retirement of Sue Bird's jersey by the Seattle Storm was an extraordinary moment in women's basketball history. The highly anticipated ceremony took place on June 11, 2023, at the remarkable Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, drawing an unprecedented crowd.
Sue Bird's unwavering loyalty to the Seattle Storm was evident throughout her entire professional career, having been the first overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. Regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, she boasts an impressive collection of accomplishments, including four Olympic gold medals and four WNBA championships.
During the jersey retirement ceremony, Sue Bird's immense contributions to the sport and her profound impact on the community were celebrated. The event featured poignant tributes from teammates, coaches, fans, and notable local figures like Macklemore and Megan Rapinoe, who all shared heartfelt sentiments.
The anticipation surrounding Sue Bird's jersey retirement extended far beyond Seattle Storm fans, resonating with women's basketball enthusiasts worldwide. The ceremony showcased touching moments, heartfelt speeches, and the presence of cherished friends and family members, who all honored Sue Bird's extraordinary career.
In her remarks, Sue Bird expressed deep gratitude towards her teammates, coaches, and fans, recognizing their unwavering support throughout her journey. She also highlighted the significance of empowering women and girls in sports, emphasizing the transformative role that basketball played in her life.
The jersey retirement ceremony served as a fitting tribute to Sue Bird's indelible legacy both as a player and as an individual. Beyond her on-court achievements, Sue Bird is renowned for her exemplary leadership, unwavering commitment to her teammates and passionate advocacy for social justice and equality.
Sue Bird's jersey now hangs proudly among the rafters alongside those of other Seattle Storm legends such as Lauren Jackson and Breanna Stewart. Her remarkable legacy will continue to ignite inspiration among future generations of basketball players and fans, leaving an enduring mark on the sport for years to come.
Megan Rapinoe Sue Bird Retirement
The retirements of Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird mark the end of an era in their illustrious careers. These two exceptional athletes, who have earned numerous accolades in their respective sports, bid farewell to their professional journeys at the conclusion of the 2022 season.
Megan Rapinoe, a true icon in women's soccer, boasts an impressive resume as a two-time World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist with the U.S. women's national soccer team. After an incredible 19 years of professional play, Rapinoe decided to hang up her boots.
Sue Bird, on the other hand, has made an indelible mark in the world of basketball. With four WNBA championships and five Olympic gold medals as a member of the Seattle Storm, Bird's name is synonymous with greatness. After an extraordinary 20-year career, Bird gracefully stepped away from the court.
A joint retirement ceremony held on June 11 at Seattle's Climate Pledge Arena honored the remarkable achievements of Rapinoe and Bird. Both athletes were inducted into the esteemed Seattle Storm's Ring of Honor, and their jerseys were fittingly retired, symbolizing the profound impact they had on their respective sports.
Rapinoe and Bird, beyond their athletic prowess, served as pioneers in their fields. Rapinoe fearlessly championed the fight for equal pay within the U.S. women's national soccer team and was a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Meanwhile, Bird's dominance as one of the most exceptional point guards in WNBA history inspired countless young girls to pursue their basketball dreams.
The retirements of Rapinoe and Bird undoubtedly leave a void in their respective sports. However, their legacies extend far beyond their on-field achievements. These extraordinary athletes have shown that it is possible to excel in sports while simultaneously fighting for social justice and equality. Their influence will continue to resonate for years to come, leaving an enduring impact on young individuals and athletes worldwide.
Although Rapinoe and Bird's departure from the professional play are bittersweet, their remarkable careers and unwavering commitment to activism will forever serve as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the power of sports in driving positive change.
Sue Bird Retirement Speech
During the jersey retirement ceremony held at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle on June 11, 2023, Sue Bird delivered an emotional and heartfelt retirement speech that left a lasting impact on all those in attendance.
With genuine gratitude and love, Bird expressed her deep connection to the game of basketball, a sport that had been an integral part of her life for over two decades. She took a moment to express her sincere appreciation to her teammates, coaches, and fans, acknowledging their unwavering support and the countless cherished memories they had created together.
Reflecting on the obstacles she encountered throughout her illustrious career, including injuries and the immense pressure to excel, Bird spoke passionately about the significance of resilience and determination in conquering those challenges and attaining success. Her words resonated with everyone, as she shared her personal journey and the invaluable life lessons she had learned along the way.
Amidst her speech, Bird underscored the importance of utilizing her platform to advocate for social justice and equality, particularly for women and the LGBTQ+ community. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to her girlfriend, Megan Rapinoe, an esteemed soccer star, for being a pillar of love, support, and inspiration in her life.
In her closing remarks, Bird extended her heartfelt appreciation to the Seattle Storm organization and the devoted fans who had stood by her side throughout her remarkable career. With unwavering loyalty, she declared Seattle as her forever home. Her retirement speech served as a poignant tribute to a truly remarkable career, leaving an indelible legacy in the realm of basketball.
Sue Bird's words resonated with authenticity, reminding us of the profound impact that a legendary player can have both on and off the court. Her retirement speech will forever be remembered as a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication, remarkable achievements, and the lasting mark she has made in the world of basketball.
Sue Bird Career Accomplishments
Sue Bird, a former American professional basketball player, had a remarkable career spanning 19 seasons in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Throughout her tenure, she secured four WNBA championships, earned five Olympic gold medals, and claimed two NCAA championships. Bird's exceptional skills and contributions have solidified her status as one of the most esteemed point guards in the history of the WNBA.
WNBA championships
4 (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
Olympic gold medals
5 (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020)
NCAA championships
2 (2000, 2002)
WNBA All-Star appearances
13 times (2002-2007, 2009-2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022)
WNBA First Team All-WNBA
5 times (2002-2005, 2016)
WNBA Second Team All-WNBA
3 times (2008, 2010, 2011)
WNBA assists leader
3 times (2005, 2009, 2016)
WNBA peak performer
2 times (2009, 2016)
WNBA commemorative teams
10th, 15th, 20th, 25th Anniversary Teams
WNBA all-time assists leader
3,114
WNBA all-time games played leader
550
Achievements
Quantity
Sue Bird Jersey Retirement - FAQs
Sue Bird's jersey retirement ceremony took place on June 11, 2023, at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.
Sue Bird played her entire professional career with the Seattle Storm in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).
Sue Bird's jersey retirement symbolizes her remarkable contributions and legacy as one of the greatest players in WNBA history.
Sue Bird won a total of four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm (in 2004, 2010, 2018, and 2020).
Sue Bird's jersey retirement ceremony will be remembered as a significant and emotional tribute to a legendary player who left an indelible mark on the Seattle Storm and the WNBA as a whole.