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 Russian-American professional basketball coach and former player. Currently the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, she notably served as an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA, making history as the first full-time female assistant coach in the league. Before coaching, Hammon had a successful playing career, as an All-American player for Colorado State, playing in the WNBA for the San Antonio Stars and New York Liberty, among others. Hammon also became a naturalized Russian citizen and played for the Russian national team in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1998: Won Gold Medal at William Jones Cup

In 1998, Hammon was named to the team representing the United States at the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan, where they won the gold medal.

May 12, 1999: Signed by the New York Liberty

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

2001: Lisa Boyer worked as a volunteer assistant

In 2001, Lisa Boyer worked as a volunteer assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers and John Lucas.

2003: Starting Point Guard for Liberty

After the 2003 season, Hammon took over for Teresa Weatherspoon as the Liberty's starting point guard.

2003: Breakout WNBA Season

In 2003, Hammon had a breakout WNBA season, providing much-needed offense for the Liberty, though it was cut short by a knee injury.

2003: Led NWBL in Scoring

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

2004: Signed with the Colorado Chill

In 2004, Hammon signed with the Colorado Chill of the NWBL, but played in only two games due to a knee injury.

2004: Co-Captain for Liberty

In 2004, Hammon, along with Vickie Johnson and Crystal Robinson, became one of the New York Liberty's co-captains.

January 2007: Played in Spanish League

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

April 4, 2007: Traded to San Antonio Silver Stars

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

2007: Played for the Aces

In 2007, Hammon played for the Aces when the team played in San Antonio.

2008: Became a Russian Citizen

In 2008, Hammon became a naturalized Russian citizen and represented Russia in the Olympics.

2008: Led Silver Stars to WNBA Finals

In 2008, Hammon led the Silver Stars to a WNBA best record 24–10 and to the WNBA Finals, where they were defeated by the Detroit Shock.

2008: Joined Russian National Team

In 2008, after not being invited to the U.S. national team, Hammon announced she would play for the Russian national team in the Olympics, becoming a Russian citizen.

August 5, 2014: Hired as Assistant Coach for Spurs

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

2014: Retired from the WNBA

In 2014, Hammon retired from the WNBA.

2014: Hired as Spurs Assistant Coach

In 2014, Hammon was hired by the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach, marking a significant milestone in her coaching career.

July 3, 2015: Named Summer League Head Coach

On July 3, 2015, the Spurs announced Hammon would coach their summer league team, making her the first Russian and first female head coach in the NBA's Summer League.

July 20, 2015: Won Summer League Title

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

2015: Summer League Head Coach

In 2015, Hammon served as the San Antonio Spurs' Summer League head coach, becoming the first woman to hold such a position.

2016: Part of NBA All-Star Coaching Staff

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

June 2, 2017: Interviewed for Bucks GM Position

On June 2, 2017, Hammon was interviewed for the position of general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.

December 30, 2020: First Female Acting Head Coach in NBA History

On December 30, 2020, Hammon became the first female acting head coach in NBA history after Gregg Popovich was ejected during a game.

December 2021: Hired as Las Vegas Aces Head Coach

In December 2021, Hammon was hired by the Las Vegas Aces to be their head coach, returning to the team she previously played for.

2021: Finalist for NBA Head Coaching Position

In 2021, Hammon was the first Russian and first woman to be a finalist for an NBA head coaching position when she interviewed with the Portland Trail Blazers.

December 31, 2021: Hired as Head Coach for Las Vegas Aces

On December 31, 2021, Hammon was hired as the head coach for the Las Vegas Aces, becoming the first Russian coach in WNBA history.

2022: Called for Release of Brittney Griner

In 2022, Hammon joined other athletes to call for the release of Brittney Griner, who was detained in Russia.

2022: Won 2022 WNBA Finals

In 2022, Hammon's Aces won the WNBA Finals, and she became the first rookie head coach to win the WNBA title.

2023: Aces Repeated as WNBA Champions

In 2023, the Las Vegas Aces repeated as WNBA champions, with Hammon becoming the first coach to win back-to-back WNBA titles in 20 years.

2023: Hammon responds to allegations

In January 2023, Hammon denied mistreating Hamby, stating she'd never had an HR complaint and that the Aces didn't consider trading Hamby until Atlanta approached them. Hammon claimed to have provided "over-the-top care" for Hamby.

2024: Dearica Hamby files lawsuit against WNBA and Las Vegas Aces

In 2024, Dearica Hamby filed a lawsuit against the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces, alleging that Becky Hammon questioned her commitment to the Aces, inquired about her pregnancy being planned, and indicated Hamby was a "question mark" due to her pregnancy affecting her availability for the 2024 season. The suit further alleges Hammon implied Hamby broke an agreement not to get pregnant when signing her contract extension.