History of Becky Hammon in Timeline

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

March 11, 1977: Rebecca Lynn Hammon Born

On March 11, 1977, Rebecca Lynn Hammon was born. She later became a celebrated American-Russian basketball player and coach, recognized for her contributions to both the WNBA and NBA.

1995: Graduated High School

In 1995, Hammon graduated from Stevens High School and was voted female class athlete by her graduating class.

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.

1999: Received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award

In 1999, Becky Hammon received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award from the Women's Basketball Coaches Association as the best senior player under 5 ft 8 in (1.7 m).

2001: Lisa Boyer worked as a volunteer assistant

In 2001, Lisa Boyer worked as a volunteer assistant with the Cleveland Cavaliers and John Lucas, prior to Becky Hammon's hiring.

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.

November 12, 2004: Inducted into Colorado State University Sports Hall of Fame

On November 12, 2004, Becky Hammon was inducted into the Colorado State University Sports Hall of Fame.

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.

January 22, 2005: Colorado State jersey retired

On January 22, 2005, Becky Hammon's number 25 Colorado State jersey was retired at Moby Arena.

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: Controversy over Russian Citizenship

In 2008, Becky Hammon's decision to gain Russian citizenship to play for the Russian national team in the Beijing Summer Olympics was controversial and she was branded an American traitor by some.

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.

July 13, 2013: Tore ACL

On July 13, 2013, Becky Hammon tore her left anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks.

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.

August 2, 2015: Inducted into the New York Liberty Ring of Honor

On August 2, 2015, Becky Hammon was inducted into the Ring of Honor during halftime of a game between the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm, recognizing her significant contributions to the Liberty and the WNBA.

2015: Relationship with Brenda Milano

Since 2015, Becky Hammon has been in a relationship with Brenda Milano, and they have two sons.

June 25, 2016: San Antonio Stars retired Hammon's jersey

On June 25, 2016, the San Antonio Stars retired Becky Hammon's No. 25 jersey prior to a game against the Atlanta Dream.

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.

2021: Finalist for NBA head coaching position

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

2021: Became Head Coach of the Las Vegas Aces

In 2021, Hammon left the Spurs to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, also becoming the first WNBA coach to earn over $1 million per year.

December 31, 2021: Hired as head coach for the Las Vegas Aces

On December 31, 2021, Becky Hammon was hired as the head coach for the Las Vegas Aces.

August 2022: Hamby Informs Team of Pregnancy

In August 2022, Dearica Hamby informed Becky Hammon and the Aces of her pregnancy, which she later alleged led to discrimination and her trade to the Los Angeles Sparks.

2022: Called for release of Brittney Griner

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

2022: Won 2022 WNBA Finals

In 2022, Becky Hammon's Aces won the WNBA Finals, making her the first rookie head coach to win the WNBA title.

January 2023: Hamby Traded to Los Angeles Sparks

In January 2023, Dearica Hamby was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, which she alleged was a result of her pregnancy announcement to Becky Hammon and the Aces in August 2022.

May 2023: Two-game Suspension

In May 2023, Becky Hammon was suspended for two games by the WNBA for violating the league's 'respect in the workplace' policies due to her treatment of Dearica Hamby.

August 12, 2023: Inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

On August 12, 2023, Becky Hammon was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions as a player and coach.

September 2023: Hamby Files Discrimination Complaint

In September 2023, Dearica Hamby filed a discrimination complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) after criticizing the WNBA's investigation and its handling of Becky Hammon and the Aces.

December 2023: Attended World Series of Poker Paradise event

In December 2023, Becky Hammon attended the inaugural World Series of Poker Paradise event, and her first tournament was the $5 million guaranteed $1,650 Mystery Millions.

2023: Hammon Addresses Allegations

In 2023, Becky Hammon addressed allegations of mistreatment by stating she never had an HR complaint in her 25 years in the WNBA or NBA and claims Dearica Hamby did not file with the players' union or WNBA.

2023: Inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2023, Becky Hammon was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame because of her successful playing career.

2023: Las Vegas Aces Repeated as WNBA Champions

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

August 12, 2024: Hamby Files Federal Lawsuit

On August 12, 2024, Dearica Hamby filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court against the WNBA and the Aces, alleging mistreatment by Becky Hammon related to her pregnancy.