Retired WNBA star Sue Bird discusses playing in Russia, staying calm under pressure, and her pump-up song. The podcast explores disparities in women's basketball leagues, camaraderie among WNBA players, and Bird's experience as an openly LGBTQ+ athlete in Russia. It also touches on personal growth, fashion influence, and navigating physical challenges in sports.
Sue Bird's impact on women's basketball extends beyond her playing career, championing gender equity and LGBTQ rights.
WNBA faces challenges in garnering attention and support compared to women's college basketball, highlighting disparities in coverage and audience engagement.
Deep dives
Sue Bird's Impact on Women's Basketball
Sue Bird is celebrated for her role in popularizing women's basketball, being recognized as the best point guard in the sport's history. Her impressive career includes leading the Yukon Huskies to NCAA championships and winning four WNBA titles with the Seattle Storm. Bird's decision to retire after 21 years prompted her to explore her identity beyond basketball, becoming an activist for gender equity and LGBTQ rights in women's sports. She co-founded companies advocating for equal rights and representation in sports.
Challenges Faced in the WNBA
Sue Bird highlighted the disparity in coverage and audiences between women's college basketball and the WNBA. Women's college basketball garners more attention and support, while the WNBA often struggles with lower levels of coverage and fan engagement. Bird reflected on the transition from college to professional basketball and the challenges of marketing and promoting the WNBA effectively to attract and maintain viewership.
Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
Sue Bird candidly shared her experiences with injuries, undergoing multiple surgeries during her career, including hip and knee surgeries. These physical challenges, especially related to her knee, played a significant role in her decision to retire from professional basketball, as maintaining peak performance became increasingly demanding. Bird's journey reflects the physical toll that elite athletes endure and the eventual impact on career decisions.
Embracing Authenticity in Retirement
During her retirement, Sue Bird has embraced authenticity and self-expression, particularly in her sense of style. With the support of her partner Megan Rapinoe, Bird has explored new fashion choices and found confidence in being true to herself. Coming out publicly as gay has also empowered Bird to fully express her identity and preferences, leading to a more fulfilling post-retirement lifestyle focused on self-acceptance and personal growth.
Retired point guard Sue Bird holds the record for most career assists in the WNBA, with 3,234 over the course of her 19-season professional career. She's also won four WNBA championships, five Olympic gold medals and two NCAA championships. She spoke with Terry Gross about playing overseas in Russia, staying cool under pressure, and her pump-up song for games.