Early Life and Education of Sabrina Ionescu: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Sabrina Ionescu, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Sabrina Ionescu is an American professional basketball player renowned as one of the WNBA's greatest three-point shooters, currently playing for the New York Liberty. A four-time WNBA All-Star and All-WNBA Team selection, her accomplishments extend to the international stage, where she earned an Olympic gold medal as a member of the United States national team. She is a prominent figure in women's basketball.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: Father Escapes Communist Romania

In 1989, Dan Ionescu, Sabrina's father, escaped communist Romania seeking political asylum in the United States.

1995: Family moves to the US

In 1995, Sabrina Ionescu's mother and brother were able to move to the US and join her father, Dan Ionescu, who had settled in Northern California.

December 6, 1997: Sabrina Ionescu Born

On December 6, 1997, Sabrina Elaine Ionescu was born. She is now an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the WNBA.

Others born on this day/year

2012: Freshman Year

In 2012, as a freshman, Ionescu started 14 of 29 games, averaging 13.8 points, 3.9 assists, and 3.9 steals per game, contributing to her team's 27-3 record and a Northern California Section Division II runner-up finish.

2013: Sophomore Year

In 2013, during her sophomore year, Ionescu helped her team achieve a 30–2 record.

November 2015: Did not sign Letter of Intent

In November 2015, during the early signing period, Ionescu did not sign a National Letter of Intent with any school, keeping her college options open.

April 2016: Did not sign Letter of Intent

In April 2016, during the late signing period, Ionescu still had not signed a National Letter of Intent with any school.

2018: Brother attends Oregon

In 2018, Sabrina Ionescu's twin brother, Eddy, became a student at Oregon.

December 2019: Turns 22

In December 2019, Sabrina Ionescu turned 22, making her eligible to declare for the WNBA draft.

2019: Earned Diploma

In 2019, Sabrina Ionescu earned her diploma.

2019: Brother joins basketball team

In 2019, Sabrina Ionescu's twin brother, Eddy, walked on to the Oregon Ducks men's basketball team.

2019: Chooses to Return for Senior Season

In 2019, despite being eligible for the WNBA draft, Sabrina Ionescu chose to return to Oregon for her senior season, citing "unfinished business."

2019: Interview with The Washington Post

In a 2019 interview with Ava Wallace of The Washington Post, Sabrina Ionescu discussed her development as a basketball player, attributing her skill set to playing with both boys and older girls during her childhood.