Sue Bird(USA): Bigger Than Basketball

Sue Bird is one of the most iconic athletes in the world: she’s been a professional athlete for 20 years, won 5 gold Olympic medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and has become one of the most outspoken advocates for social change. Further, between her Olympic and FIBA World Cup medals, she holds the most medals of any basketball athlete in the world (male or female). She also holds 4 WNBA and 2 NCAA Championships.

In this episode, we focus on Sue’s commitment to social change and her legacy to the sport. We hear from Sue’s big sis, Jen, on how Sue has changed over the years (and why she is so proud of her), former teammate and Coach, Hall of Fame athlete, Coach Dawn Staley, Professional Basketball star, Marina Mabrey, and Sue’s two nieces, Zoe (age 9) and Alex (age 7). We hear how Sue got into sports (hint: Jen played a big role), how she’s always stomped the pavement for others, and her hopes for the future of basketball.

Production Team’s Favorite Quote:
While Sue has been a champion for countless social causes, she doesn’t call herself an activist because “that is a full time job…I’m trying to do my part, but that’s almost too big of a compliment, but obviously I do feel very strongly about a lot of things.”
Why: Sue’s reverence for activism as a full time role, deserving of credit and support deeply impressed us

Massive shoutout to teammate, Marissa Potter, Director of Brand & Partnerships, for all of her incredible help making this episode. Thank you to the Wasserman team for making this interview possible and for all of your support: Lindsay Colas, Tracy Hughes, and Annie Takahashi.

Contributing experts include:
-Jennifer Bird (Sue’s Sister)
-Coach Dawn Staley (Sue’s Former Teammate & Coach, Hall of Famer & Head Coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks)
-Marina Mabrey (Professional Basketball Player, Dallas Wings)
-Zoe & Alex Bird (Sue’s Nieces)

Audio included from the following sources:
– Women Hooping’s YouTube Channel: ‘Sue Bird Hits Final Shot In New York To Clinch Win, Crowd Gives Standing Ovation Saluting Her Career’
– WNBA’s YouTube Channel: ‘Best Of Sue Bird’s 3,000 Assists’
– WCNC’s YouTube Channel: ‘Tokyo Olympics | Sue Bird’
– Uninterrupted Love Is Manifesto from uninterrupted.com/loveis
– CNN’s YouTube Channel: ‘WNBA players strike balance between athletics and activism’
– 60 Minutes’ YouTube Channel: ‘Sue Bird on going public with her relationship with Megan Rapinoe’
– March Madness’ YouTube Channel: ‘Best of Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi in the Final Four for UConn’
– ESPN’s YouTube Channel: ‘Marina Mabrey drops CAREER-HIGH 31 PTS as Dallas Wings clinch playoff berth! | WNBA on ESPN’
– Seattle Storm Official’s YouTube Channel: ‘Sue Bird | Press Conference | Sue Announces Retirement’

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Sue Bird – Flame Bearers