Seattle Storm Superstar Back In Town For Good
Originally published April 25, 2024
The city and the fans play a big role in the success of an athlete in any sport. Feeling a deep connection with the place and people who come to your games gives players a reason to compete. Fans take a lot of pride in their teams and the relationship goes both ways: if you love the fans with all you have, they will love you back even more.
WNBA star, Sue Bird, retired from the game in 2022, but last Wednesday she announced her return. She is slated to join the ownership group of the team she played 20 seasons for, the Seattle Storm. This return is a perfect example of how the love an athlete has for their city never truly dies.
In the official Storm announcement, the team talked about Bird’s career in Seattle. She brought four WNBA championships to the city, along with 13 All-Star Game appearances, eight All-WNBA teams and five Olympic gold medals. Needless to say, Bird is a Seattle Storm legend.
The Storm’s announcement shows how important Bird’s time with the team was and why she wants to return. Her reputation with the city is stellar and they welcomed her back with open arms. This has a lot to do with her help creating one of the most successful franchises in the WNBA, but her interactions with fans and time off the court are equally important.
When Bird retired in 2021, the Seattle Times ran an article that explained why fans love her and why her image in Seattle is so iconic. Her coach described Bird as a “pillar of the city [and] of the community” and a lifelong Storm fan said, “She just kind of embodies Seattle.” These descriptions show that Bird is truly loved by the community which elevates her image. She’s a large advocate for social justice issues, takes time to connect with the fans and is vocal about equality within basketball.
Bird is a prime example of doing the right thing for the right reasons. She stays true to who she is and loves the game she plays. She’s an inspiration for her play on the court but her reputation is only as good as the fans make it out to be. Her connection with the city has allowed her to come back and work for the team and the fans she loves. Sue Bird will go down in history as a Seattle legend and I’m excited to see the team’s success with her back in town.
Image Credits: “SXSW-2024-alih-OB7A0246-Sue Bird” by Fuzheado is licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Feature Image: “Sue Bird at 2 August 2015 game cropped” by at 2 August 2015 game is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.