Career: Connecticut (USA-NCAA), Seattle Storm (USA-WNBA, 2002-08); Dynamo Moscow (Russia-Superleague, 2004-06), Spartak Moscow Region (Russia-Superleague-2006-08).

Literally stepping off the plane after winning the 2002 NCAA title in her final game at the University of Connecticut and onto the court in Colorado Springs where the USA Women's National Team was training, Sue Bird went from a comfortable setting where she was a senior leader to one where she'd play an understudy role learning from one of the best point guards to ever play the game. As the back up to eventual three-time Olympic and two-time FIBA World Championship gold medalist Dawn Staley Bird soaked up everything she could. Although she saw limited playing time at both the 2002 World Championship and 2004 Olympic Games, Bird was being groomed to take over for the soon to retire Staley. It's not easy to sit on the bench when you're accustomed to starting, but when there are 12 legitimate starters on a team sometimes you have to wait your turn. Bird waited patiently, all the while honing her game to prepare for this summer's starting assignment. Not only was she continuing to build her resume as a member of the Seattle Storm, capturing the 2004 WNBA crown, earning All-WNBA first team honors four times and being named to five WNBA All-Star Teams, she took her game overseas in order to add to her repertoire of tricks. For the past two ‘off seasons' Bird helped Spartak Moscow Region collect the 2007 and 2008 EuroLeague and Russia Super League championships. Listed on the 2002 consensus collegiate National Player of the Year’s resume are gold medals at the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship, 2004 Olympics, 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2002 Opals World Challenge and 2000 R. William Jones Cup, a silver medal at the 2007 FIBA World League Tournament and bronze at the 2006 FIBA World Championship.