Sue Bird fondly recalls her first unofficial college visit to the University of Connecticut, accompanied by her high school coach from Christ the King High School in Middle Village, New York. She was struck by the packed Gampel Pavilion and the energetic atmosphere, thinking it was a great experience and appreciating the chance to go home on weekends to do laundry.
During her college career, Bird won two national championships and still holds school records for 3-point shooting percentage (45.9) and free throw percentage (89.2). She became the third female player at UConn to have her jersey retired, following Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash.
Bird humbly joked about receiving many offers from colleges, ultimately narrowing her choices to Duke, Notre Dame, Stanford, UConn, and Vanderbilt, with official visits to the last three. She recalls being a bit intimidated during her visit to UConn by coach Geno Auriemma’s confident and charismatic presence, which she found overwhelming as a teenager.
On the day her jersey was retired, Auriemma praised Bird as potentially the greatest point guard, male or female, to ever play basketball. Bird, who continues to admire her alma mater—currently ranked No. 1 and having won its 11th national championship last year—highlighted the sense of challenge and connection that drew her to UConn.
In her college tenure, Bird played 118 games, averaging 11.7 points and 4.9 assists, earned the 2002 National Player of the Year award, and was the first UConn player picked No. 1 in the WNBA Draft. She won four WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm and earned five Olympic gold medals and four FIBA World Cup victories.
The year 2025 has been monumental for Bird, with her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, a statue unveiled in Seattle, and her entry into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. She cherished the opportunity to celebrate these honors surrounded by family, friends, former teammates, and mentors.
Fan Take: Sue Bird’s jersey retirement is a powerful moment for WNBA followers, highlighting the legacy of excellence and leadership she embodies. It underscores the sport’s growth and inspires young players by showcasing how dedication and talent can elevate women’s basketball on the global stage.
