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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 07: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm acknowledges fans before her last regular season home game of her career against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena on August 07, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 07: Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm acknowledges fans before her last regular season home game of her career against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena on August 07, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
For her, resilience was the key. With this mantra, she even surpassed the legendary Bill Russell in winning. But, the journey to excellence wasn’t easy. Thanks to her family, who recognized Sue Bird‘s excellence in basketball long before others. It all began with a little sister wanting to follow in the footsteps of her older one.
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“A simple story of a little kid wanting to be like her older sister,” Jen, Sue’s five-year-old sister, took up the responsibility and guided her to try out sports in school. At first, Sue tested the waters in basketball, soccer, track and field, and even tennis. But as we all know, she finally opted for the sport she was made for. “Luckily enough for me, she picked up a basketball.” Now, the goal was to get on the right path. However, the interesting bit was Bird’s history, background, and roots, which played an important role in shaping her personality.
Is Sue Bird from a “Concrete Jungle?”
Well, basketball really wasn’t the first choice. Her potential future was supposed to be a professional soccer player, doctor, or lawyer, at least that was what Bird’s fifth-grade yearbook read. But, expectedly, this choice was only limited to her fifth grade. As she stepped into sixth grade, she started playing for an Amateur Athletic Union basketball team.
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Sue Bird sat down with the host, Carmelo Anthony, on the August 6th episode of 7PM in Brooklyn. The host pointed out the massive impact the legend has had on the game. So much so that it allowed people to associate Bird with places including Seattle, and others. However, it was interesting when the question continued to ask the most basic questions about this on-court star.
An answer that might even catch many fans by surprise. Jokingly naming it “Concrete Jungle,” the host asked Bird to reveal the place she is from. To which, the icon chuckled and replied, “I am from Long Island, Syosset New York. “I feel like, basketball-wise, I really am New York ’cause I started playing for an AAU team based out of Christ the King called the Liberty Belles.” Since then, Queens and basketball were a stable for every summer in Sue Bird’s life.
Sue Bird is as NY as they come 😤
New episode with Sue drops tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/g1dqNqO0YR
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) August 5, 2024
Initially, Bird enrolled at Syosset High School, where she completed her freshman and sophomore years. But, soon for her junior and senior years, she transferred to Christ the King Regional High School in Queens. “Then, fast forward a couple of years, I transferred to Christ the King and finished my career there, my high school career.” And it turned out to be highly beneficial for her.
As she played effortlessly, the Royals went 24-3 undefeated and finally clinched the New York State Championship title. However, Bird’s thirst was still unquenched. While with the Royals, she also played in the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association High School All-American Game. And once again, Sue Bird sparkled as she hit 11 impressive points. But this was just the beginning!
Sue Bird overcame early challenges to become the 2002 overall draft no. 1 pick
Now, it was time to enter collegiate sports, where several universities and colleges stood in line to recruit her. The University of Connecticut was one of them. “Sue doesn’t consider herself the best player in the country. I think she’s a very good player,” said Geno Auriemma in a 1998 interview.
A few days before making up her mind, Bird was on a call with Coach Auriemma. The coach gave her what she needed: belief. She followed her heart and joined UConn with jersey number #10. According to her, the recent years were “tough, not easy but very rewarding.” Soon, Auriemma broke Sue Bird’s shell by telling her, “It’s always going to be your fault.”
Bird left her collegiate career with a series of records. Be it points, assists, or steals, she ranked everywhere. Soon, her journey with the Seattle Storm began, where her career reached its peak. She bid adieu to her 21-year WNBA career with a staggering five Olympic gold medals. That’s how a legendary career is made. Stay tuned for more!
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection Silas Demary Jr.
Written by
Edited by
Aazima Basharat