Early Life and Education of Sue Bird: A Complete Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Sue Bird. From birth to education, explore key events.

Sue Bird, born Suzanne Brigit Bird, is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in 2002, she spent her entire WNBA career with the team, securing championships across three different decades. Beyond her WNBA achievements, Bird also held a role in the Denver Nuggets' front office. Bird has been inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2025), the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2025), the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame (2026), and the FIBA Hall of Fame (2026).

Sections (4)

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

October 16, 1980: Suzanne Brigit Bird's Birth

On October 16, 1980, Suzanne Brigit Bird, later known as Sue Bird, was born. She went on to become a professional basketball player.

1998: University Recruitment

In 1998, Sue Bird was recruited by several university teams, including UConn, Stanford, and Vanderbilt.

1999: Torn ACL

During the 1998-1999 season, Sue Bird suffered a torn ACL eight games into her freshman season at UConn.

2000: Nancy Lieberman Award

In 2000, Sue Bird was the first winner of the Nancy Lieberman Award, given to the top point guard in the nation.

2000: NCAA Championship

In 2000, Sue Bird won an NCAA Championship with UConn, beginning her streak of success.

2000: NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Tournament Championship

In the 1999-2000 season, Sue Bird led her UConn team to a 36-1 record, the Big East Championship, and the championship at the 2000 NCAA Division I women's basketball tournament.

2001: Nancy Lieberman Award

In 2001, Sue Bird won the Nancy Lieberman Award again, recognizing her as the top point guard in the nation for the second consecutive year.

2001: Final Four Loss

In the 2000-2001 season, the Huskies went 32-3, with the final loss coming against UConn's Big East rival Notre Dame in the Final Four.

2002: NCAA Championship

In 2002, Sue Bird secured her second NCAA Championship with UConn, further highlighting her college basketball success.

2002: Nancy Lieberman Award

In 2002, Sue Bird won the Nancy Lieberman Award for the third time, solidifying her status as the top point guard in the nation.

2002: College Player of the Year

In 2002, Sue Bird's senior year, she won the Wade Trophy and the Naismith Award as College Player of the Year while playing on the undefeated University of Connecticut team.

2005: UConn Career Rankings

As of 2005, Sue Bird held high rankings in various statistical categories at UConn, including No. 24 on the 1,000-point list, No. 2 in assists, and seventh in steals, highlighting her impact on the program.

2006: Induction to "Huskies of Honor"

In 2006, Sue Bird was a member of the inaugural class of inductees to the University of Connecticut women's basketball "Huskies of Honor" recognition program.

2012: Knee Problems

During the 2012 WNBA season, Sue Bird experienced knee problems, though she still played 29 games throughout the regular season and the playoffs.

2013: Knee Surgery

In 2013, Sue Bird had knee surgery, which prevented her from playing the entire season.

2016: Met Megan Rapinoe at the 2016 Rio Olympics

In 2016, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe met at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

April 2017: Left Knee Surgery

In April 2017, Sue Bird underwent left knee surgery, causing her to miss training camp.

July 20, 2017: Publicly Came Out as Lesbian

On July 20, 2017, Sue Bird publicly came out as a lesbian, revealing her relationship with soccer player Megan Rapinoe, after they met at the 2016 Rio Olympics.