Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Becky Hammon

Discover the career path of Becky Hammon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Becky Hammon is a prominent American-Russian basketball coach and former player. Currently the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, she holds the distinction of being a pioneer for female coaches in the NBA. Prior to coaching, Hammon was considered one of the greatest players in WNBA history. Her career has cemented her as an influential figure in basketball, both as a player and a coach, particularly for women in the sport.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1998: All-American and WAC Player of the Year

In 1998, Becky Hammon achieved All-American status and was named the WAC Mountain Division player of the year for the 1998-99 season as a result of her prolific scoring for the Colorado State Rams.

1998: Won gold medal at William Jones Cup

In 1998, Becky Hammon was part of the United States team that won the gold medal at the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan.

May 12, 1999: Signed to the WNBA

On May 12, 1999, Becky Hammon was signed to the WNBA and joined the New York Liberty.

2003: Took over as starting point guard for the Liberty

In 2003, Becky Hammon became the New York Liberty's starting point guard, succeeding Teresa Weatherspoon.

2003: Led NWBL in scoring

In 2003, Becky Hammon led the National Women's Basketball League (NWBL) in scoring, averaging 20.6 points per game, during her first season with the Tennessee Fury.

2004: Signed with the Colorado Chill

In 2004, Becky Hammon signed with the Colorado Chill of the NWBL, but played in only two games because of an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

2004: Named co-captain of the Liberty

In 2004, Becky Hammon, along with Vickie Johnson and Crystal Robinson, was named one of the co-captains of the New York Liberty.

August 16, 2005: Scored her 2,000th WNBA career point

On August 16, 2005, Becky Hammon reached 2,000 career points in the WNBA.

January 2007: Played with Rivas Futura in the Spanish League

In January 2007, Becky Hammon played with Rivas Futura in the Spanish League during the WNBA off-season.

April 4, 2007: Traded to San Antonio Silver Stars

On April 4, 2007, Becky Hammon was traded to the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA.

2008: Became a Russian citizen to play in the Olympics

In 2008, Becky Hammon became a Russian citizen to play for the Russian national team in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, after learning that she would not be invited to try out for the U.S. national team.

2008: Led Silver Stars to WNBA Finals

In 2008, Becky Hammon led the San Antonio Silver Stars to a WNBA best record 24-10, and all the way to the WNBA Finals where they were defeated by the Detroit Shock.

2008: Won bronze medal at the Summer Olympics

In 2008, Hammon won a bronze medal at the Summer Olympics as a member of the Russian national team.

2008: Played in 2008 Olympics

In the 2008 Olympics, Becky Hammon played for Russia and helped the team win the bronze medal by scoring 22 points against China.

2009: Played for Russia at EuroBasket

In 2009, Becky Hammon played for Russia at EuroBasket.

2009: Career Highs in 2009

In the 2009 WNBA season, Becky Hammon averaged a career-high 19.5 points per game and 5.0 assists per game. She was an All-Star and a first-team All-WNBA selection.

2010: Played for Russia at the World Championship

In 2010, Becky Hammon played for Russia at the World Championship.

August 31, 2011: Reached 5,000 career points

On August 31, 2011, Becky Hammon became the seventh player in WNBA history to score 5,000 points.

2012: Played for Russia at the Olympics

In 2012, Becky Hammon played for Russia at the Olympics.

August 5, 2014: Hired as Assistant Coach for the San Antonio Spurs

On August 5, 2014, Becky Hammon was hired as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the second female coach in the NBA.

2014: Retired from the WNBA

Becky Hammon retired from the WNBA in 2014 after a successful career.

2014: Hired by the San Antonio Spurs

In 2014, Hammon was hired by the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, making her the first female full-time assistant coach in a major American sports league.

July 3, 2015: First Female Head Coach in NBA Summer League

On July 3, 2015, Becky Hammon became the first female head coach in the NBA's Summer League, coaching the San Antonio Spurs' summer league team.

July 20, 2015: Won Las Vegas Summer League title

On July 20, 2015, Becky Hammon led the Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League title, becoming the first female NBA head coach to win a Summer League title.

2016: First woman part of an All-Star coaching staff

At the 2016 NBA All-Star Game, Becky Hammon became the first woman to be part of an All-Star coaching staff.

June 2, 2017: Interviewed for general manager position with Milwaukee Bucks

On June 2, 2017, Becky Hammon was interviewed for the position of general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks, but was not considered a finalist.

December 30, 2020: First female acting head coach in NBA history

During her seventh season with the San Antonio Spurs, on December 30, 2020, Gregg Popovich was ejected, and Becky Hammon became the first female acting head coach in NBA history during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers.