Sue Bird: Seattle Storm’s Legendary Leader and Icon

Sue Bird was the Seattle Storm's heart and soul for two decades. Although she wasn't the tallest or physically strongest player on the floor, her intelligence, poise, and vision led her to be one of the greatest point guards in basketball history. For 21 years, Bird was the Storm’s backbone—a steady presence who turned teammates into stars and set a standard for excellence both on and off the court.

Bird's influence went well beyond basketball. Bird's accessibility and warmth were highlighted by moments, as recounted by Carolyn Nielsen, a Bellingham resident.

Nielsen has fond recollections of Bird thoroughly entertaining her daughter at the airport as a young newbie. Bird's generational impact can be seen in his daughter's growing popularity as one of the league's biggest fans.

“Sue Bird is such an icon in terms of power and representation for women’s sports,” Nielsen said.

Her courage to live authentically also changed perceptions. Despite being open with friends and family from the start of her career, Bird didn't come out publicly until 2017, before one of her 13 WNBA All-Star appearances.

She was afraid that accepting her true identity would negatively impact her career. Her announcement was met with overwhelming love, particularly in Seattle. Not only did fans and fellow athletes celebrate her honesty, but also the wider representation she provided for the LGBTQ+ community.

Birds have connections with the U.S. Soccer star Megan Rapinoe's influence was only magnified.

They formed an impressive team and were admired for their activism and athletic achievements. They were engaged in 2020 and then took on the role of primary marshals for the Seattle Pride Parade in 2024.

In addition, she invested in women's sports ownership, joining the Seattle Storm's ownership group and becoming a minority investor in Gotham FC in NWSL. Four WNBA championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020), five Olympic gold medals, and many clutch moments that shaped eras of Storm basketball can be found in her on-court resume.

Bird insists that her legacy doesn't solely depend on her titles. The aim is to remain resilient, establish a teamwork standard, and portray Seattle with integrity during both positive and negative times.

“I still go back to redefining myself as a player and having to figure it out,” Bird said. “And I was able to do that four different times in the same place. That’s not easy.”

Seattle considers Sue Bird to be more than just a champion. Loyalty, authenticity, and perseverance are the qualities she embodies. The impact of her presence on lives and communities is what makes her story a measure of greatness, not just trophies.