A Bronze Tribute to a WNBA Pioneer
A new and permanent monument to sporting greatness now stands in the city of Seattle. On Sunday, the Seattle Storm unveiled a bronze statue of Sue Bird outside Climate Pledge Arena, solidifying her place as a true pioneer and a revered icon. The historic moment marked her as the first player in WNBA history to be honored with a statue. It is a powerful testament to her unparalleled legacy and the deep connection she forged with the city that was her professional home for over two decades. The statue, created by renowned sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, now stands alongside other Seattle sports legends like Lenny Wilkens.
The statue itself is a work of art, capturing Bird in a moment of pure motion. It depicts her in mid-air, ascending for a layup, a pose she personally chose for its profound symbolism. Bird shared that the very first points of her rookie WNBA career were scored on a layup, and her final points before her 2022 retirement were also on a layup. This full-circle representation beautifully encapsulates the beginning and end of a storied career. The sculptor’s meticulous attention to detail is evident, from the specific Nike sneakers she is wearing to the dynamic flow of her ponytail.
The unveiling ceremony was an emotional and celebratory event, drawing a crowd of fans, former teammates, coaches, and civic leaders. A number of speakers shared heartfelt tributes and personal anecdotes that underscored Bird’s impact both on and off the court. Storm co-owner Dawn Trudeau noted that the statue is more than a tribute to Bird’s career; it serves as a powerful promise for the future of women’s sports. The overwhelming sentiment of the day was clear: Bird’s influence extends far beyond her on-court achievements, embodying a spirit of leadership and dedication that has changed the game forever.
Bird's career is a masterclass in excellence and staying power. Drafted first overall by the Storm in 2002, she went on to play her entire 21-year career with the franchise, a remarkable rarity in the modern professional sports landscape. She was the driving force behind four WNBA championships for the team, making her the only player in the league’s history to win titles in three different decades. Bird is the WNBA's all-time assists leader and holds the record for most All-Star selections with 13. Her incredible list of accomplishments also includes an astonishing five Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
During her speech, Bird spoke with her characteristic humility and genuine appreciation. She expressed that it was humbling to be the first WNBA player to be recognized with this honor. She shared her hope that the statue will not be the last, and that it will inspire future generations of women’s basketball players to believe in their dreams. The city of Seattle also officially declared August 17th as "Sue Bird Day," further solidifying her legacy. The day’s events concluded with a "Forever Sue" theme for the team’s game, a perfect capstone to a historic day of remembrance and celebration.
