Three WNBA Superstars and Their Legacies
These three ladies' names will soon be immortalized in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This just reinforces what has already been proven: their talent and impact in the women’s basketball world. The announcement was released yesterday at the Men’s Final Four, but the enshrinement weekend will happen September 5th-6th in the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, and the Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts. Let’s examine what this does for their legacies and their impact on the game.
Sue Bird
After a successful college career at UConn, where she won two National Championships, Sue Bird was drafted as the first pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm. She played all of her 21 years with the Storm and won four championships. For her accolades, Bird made 13 all-star teams, was named to the All-WNBA team eight times, and led the Storm to four championships during her career. Bird averaged 11.7 points and 5.6 assists over 580 games in the WNBA.
Sue Bird has made a tremendous impact on women's basketball off the court through her advocacy, leadership, and dedication to advancing the sport. Bird has been a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports, pushing for better pay, resources, and visibility for women's basketball. She has used her platform to highlight disparities and inspire change. As one of the most accomplished players in WNBA history, Bird has served as a mentor to younger athletes, helping to guide the next generation of players both on and off the court. Bird has also been open about her identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, becoming a powerful role model for inclusivity and acceptance in sports.
She has worked on projects that bring attention to women's sports, including broadcasting and participating in documentaries that celebrate the achievements and struggles of female athletes. Speaking of broadcasting, Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi host a popular alternate broadcast called "The Bird & Taurasi Show" during the NCAA Women's Final Four and Championship games. This show aired on ESPN2, provides a unique and entertaining perspective on the games, featuring commentary, analysis, and fun banter between the two basketball legends. Bird has been involved in various community initiatives, using her influence to support charitable causes and inspire young athletes to pursue their dreams. Her efforts have not only elevated the status of women's basketball but have also contributed to broader conversations about equality and representation in sports.
Sylvia Fowles
Sylvia Fowles is a basketball icon, celebrated for her dominance on the court and her contributions to the sport. She led her LSU Tigers to the Final Four her entire collegiate career. The six-foot-six center is LSU's all-time leader in rebounds, blocks, career double-doubles, games played, and postseason games played. Her 2,234 career points rank fifth for LSU women’s basketball.
She played in the WNBA for the Chicago Sky and the Minnesota Lynx, earning numerous accolades, including two WNBA Championships, two Finals MVP Awards, and the 2017 league MVP, a season in which she averaged 18.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game while shooting 66% from the field. Known for her defensive prowess, she was a four-time Defensive Player of the Year and is the WNBA's all-time leader in rebounds. Fowles also proved herself in the Olympics, where she helped Team USA win gold in every Olympics from 2008-21. Only Diana Taurasi, with six medals, and Bird, with five medals, have more.
Off the court, Fowles has been a role model and advocate for community engagement, using her platform to inspire and uplift others. Before and after her retirement, she has been studying mortuary sciences and working part-time in funeral homes, both in Minneapolis and Miami. Additionally, she established the Sylvia Fowles Family Fund and maintains her role as a spokesperson in the Citizens United Research in Epilepsy. The Sylvia Fowles Family Fund was designed in 2010 to assist children and families who need necessities. Due to her foundation’s long-term success, Fowles earned the 2022 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.
Maya Moore
Maya Moore is a basketball legend and a trailblazer both on and off the court. During her WNBA eight-year career with the Minnesota Lynx, Moore was named Rookie of the Year in 2011, she won four championships and earned the 2014 league MVP and the 2013 Finals MVP. She was also a six-time all-star; the two years where she was not named an all-star were Olympic years where the WNBA did not award all-star honors. She was also a two-time NCAA Champion and was twice named Naismith Player of the Year for both 2009 and 2011 during her college years at UConn.
Beyond basketball, Moore made a profound impact by stepping away from the sport in 2019 to focus on criminal justice reform and to fulfill her ministry dreams. She played a pivotal role in securing the release of the wrongfully convicted Jonathan Irons, whom she later married. Her advocacy earned her recognition on the 2020 Time 100 list, highlighting her dedication to social justice. Moore and Irons had their first child in 2022, two years after Irons' release. Moore officially retired from basketball in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of humanity beyond the court.
Final Thoughts
What all of these legends have in common is that they have been able to use their platforms to give a voice to what they advocate for. They are active in the community and find outlets for their life after professional ball. And their skill made way for the women that have come after them. Their performances and the attention they garnered for it were truly stepping stones for women’s basketball today. With their induction to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, we are reminded of what they’ve done and what they’re doing in society currently. Their legacies will continue to live on.
