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 celebrated former professional basketball player, renowned for her career with the Seattle Storm in the WNBA. Drafted first overall in 2002, she's lauded as one of the WNBA's all-time greats. Notably, Bird is the only WNBA player to secure championships across three decades. Beyond the WNBA, she gained experience in the front office with the Denver Nuggets and played for multiple teams in the Russian league. She is also a dual citizen of the United States and Israel.

Sections (4)

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

October 16, 1980: Sue Bird's Birth

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

1998: College Recruitment

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

1999: Torn ACL Injury

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

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 with UConn

In 2000, Sue Bird won an NCAA Championship with UConn.

2000: Big East Championship and NCAA Tournament Win

In her sophomore season (1999–2000), Sue Bird returned to lead the team to a 36–1 record, the Big East Championship, and 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.

2001: Final Four Loss

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

2002: WNBA Draft and UConn Achievements

In 2002, Sue Bird was drafted first overall by the Seattle Storm in the WNBA draft. Additionally, in her senior year at the University of Connecticut, she won the Wade Trophy and the Naismith Award as College Player of the Year.

2002: Second NCAA Championship with UConn

In 2002, Sue Bird won her second NCAA Championship with UConn.

2002: Nancy Lieberman Award

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

2002: Awards and Undefeated Season

In 2002, during her senior season, the Huskies went 39-0, and Sue Bird won the Wade Trophy, Honda Sports Award, and Naismith Award as College Player of the Year.

2005: UConn Record Lists

As of 2005, Sue Bird ranked highly on many of UConn's record lists, including No. 24 on the 1,000-point list, No. 2 in assists, and seventh in steals, as well as number 1 in three-point field goal percentage and free throw percentage.

2006: Huskies of Honor Inaugural Class

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 Season

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

2013: Knee Surgery and Missed Season

Following the 2012 season, in 2013 Sue Bird had knee surgery, which prevented her from playing the entire 2013 season.

2016: Met Megan Rapinoe

In 2016, Sue Bird met soccer player Megan Rapinoe at the 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.

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: Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

In May 2019, Sue Bird underwent 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 ESPYs

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

2020: Leadership During COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, as vice president of the WNBA players union, Sue Bird was part of the leadership that navigated the WNBA during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked on social justice messages for players.

2020: Tokyo Summer Olympics Delayed

In 2020, the Tokyo Summer Olympics were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

July 23, 2021: Carried U.S. Flag at Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremony

On July 23, 2021, Sue Bird carried the U.S. flag at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Summer Olympics, alongside baseball player Eddy Alvarez, chosen by fellow athletes.