American · Flushing, USA · Born 16 October 1980American professional basketball player and four-time Olympic gold medalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in WNBA history.
Susan Bird was born on 16 October 1980 in Syosset, New York, on Long Island, to Herschel and Nancy Bird; her father's family had Russian-Jewish ancestry, with her paternal grandparents' surname changed from "Boorda" to "Bird" after immigrating to the United States from what later became Ukraine. She attended Christ the King High School in Queens before starring at the University of Connecticut, where she won two national championships. The Seattle Storm selected Bird first overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft, launching a 21-year association with the franchise that made her one of the most decorated point guards in the history of the sport, renowned for her court vision, leadership, and clutch shot-making. Bird won four WNBA championships with Seattle and five Olympic gold medals with Team USA, the most of any basketball player in Olympic history, while also playing extensively overseas in Russia across the WNBA offseason for over a decade. Bird retired in 2022 as one of the most respected and accomplished players the sport has produced, having become a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility in sport alongside her fiancée, soccer star Megan Rapinoe. She has since become a part owner of the Seattle Storm and a prominent basketball broadcaster.
Point guard excellence, leadership, and longevity in WNBA
How They Played
Floor general with exceptional court vision, three-point shooting, and leadership
Lasting Impact
One of greatest point guards in basketball history, 4-time WNBA champion and 5-time Olympic gold medalist
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2004, 2008, 2012, 2020
- WNBA Champion 2004, 2010, 2018, 2020
- WNBA All-Star 13 times
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle Storm | 2002–2022 | 580 |
American Athletes