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 is a celebrated former professional basketball player, renowned for her remarkable career with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Drafted first overall in 2002, she is widely regarded as one of the greatest WNBA players of all time, uniquely winning championships across three decades. Beyond her WNBA achievements, Bird also gained experience in the NBA as a Basketball Operations Associate for the Denver Nuggets and played for teams in the Russian league. She also holds dual citizenship with both the U.S. and Israel.

Sections (4)

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

October 16, 1980: Sue Bird Born

On October 16, 1980, Suzanne Brigit Bird was born. She is an American former professional basketball player.

1998: Freshman Season at UConn

In 1998, Sue Bird started her freshman season at UConn, but her season was cut short due to a torn ACL injury.

1999: ACL Injury

In the 1998-1999 season, Sue Bird's freshman season was cut short as she suffered a torn ACL.

2001: Final Four Loss

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

2013: Knee Surgery and Season Absence

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

April 2017: Knee Surgery

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

July 20, 2017: Came Out as Lesbian and Revealed Relationship with Megan Rapinoe

On July 20, 2017, Sue Bird publicly came out as a lesbian, revealing her relationship with soccer player Megan Rapinoe.

2018: Cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue"

In 2018, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe became the first same-sex couple on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue".

May 2019: Knee Surgery and Season Absence

In May 2019, Sue Bird needed arthroscopic surgery on her left knee, causing her to miss the remainder of the 2019 season.

October 30, 2020: Announced Engagement to Megan Rapinoe

On October 30, 2020, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced their engagement.

2020: Co-hosted the ESPYs

In 2020, Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe were the first LGBTQ+ couple to co-host the ESPYs.

2020: Tokyo Summer Olympics Delayed

In 2020, The Tokyo Summer Olympic Games were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

2022: Became Part-Owner of Gotham FC

In 2022, Sue Bird became a part-owner of National Women's Soccer League franchise NJ/NY Gotham FC.

2022: Included in Queer 50 List

In 2022, Sue Bird was included in the Queer 50 list.

2024: Became part of the ownership group of the Seattle Storm & Mattel announced Sue Bird Barbie

In 2024, Sue Bird joined the ownership group of the Seattle Storm, Force 10 Hoops. On July 16th, 2024, Mattel announced a Sue Bird Barbie as part of their 65th anniversary of the Barbie doll.