Sue Bird is one of the most accomplished basketball players in WNBA history. She was born in 1980 in Syosset, New York to Herschel and Nancy Bird. Her father, Herschel Bird, was an instrumental figure in Sue’s life and helped shape her into the legendary basketball player she is today.
Herschel Bird’s Background
Herschel Bird was born in 1953 in Long Island, New York. He was an athlete himself, playing basketball at Half Hollow Hills High School in Dix Hills, NY. After high school, Herschel attended Northeastern University in Boston where he played on the men’s basketball team. He graduated from Northeastern in 1975 with a degree in business management.
After college, Herschel began a career in pharmaceutical sales and married his wife Nancy in 1977. The couple settled in Syosset, NY on Long Island where they would eventually raise Sue and her younger sister Jen.
Influence on Sue’s Basketball Career
Sue Bird started playing basketball at a very young age. Her father Herschel immediately took an active role in developing her skills. He built a basketball hoop in their driveway and played countless games of 1-on-1 against Sue. As she got older, he coached many of Sue’s youth basketball teams.
Herschel realized Sue had a special talent for the game. He pushed her to work hard and reach her full potential. He drove Sue to basketball camps, AAU practices, and tournaments around the country. Herschel created specialized drills to improve Sue’s dribbling, shooting, passing, defense, and basketball IQ.
Sue credits the hours spent practicing with her dad as being instrumental to her development as a player. Herschel taught Sue proper shooting form and the importance of footwork and ball handling. His coaching instilled in her a toughness and competitive drive that allowed her to thrive against any opponent.
AAU and High School
In middle school and high school, Sue played AAU basketball for the prestigious New York Jammers team. Her father traveled with the team as an assistant coach. At tournaments and practices, Herschel continued working individually with Sue to polish her skills.
The extra coaching paid off, as Sue became a standout player for Syosset High School. She led her team to three consecutive state championship titles in 1995, 1996, and 1997. Sue was named New York State Player of the Year each of those seasons.
College Years
Sue received a full athletic scholarship to play for the powerhouse University of Connecticut Huskies women’s basketball team. This was one of the top programs in the nation, having won the NCAA championship in 1995.
Herschel continued to be involved in Sue’s basketball career during her college years. He traveled to many games to cheer her on. Herschel also called Sue regularly, providing advice and reassurance to help her navigate playing at such a high level.
With the UConn Huskies, Sue won two NCAA championships in 2000 and 2002. She established herself as the premier point guard in women’s college basketball.
WNBA Career
The Seattle Storm selected Sue Bird with the #1 overall pick in the 2002 WNBA draft. She would go on to have an illustrious career with the Storm franchise, winning 4 WNBA championships.
Herschel Bird has been courtside for many of Sue’s WNBA games over the past two decades. He takes great pride in getting to watch his daughter compete as a professional. A few years ago, the Storm held a special on-court celebration to commemorate Herschel’s impact on Sue’s career.
Sue has credited her father for teaching her the right way to play basketball. The fundamentals and work ethic he instilled in her from a young age paved the way for the success she found in the WNBA.
USA Basketball
In addition to the WNBA, Sue Bird has been a member of the USA women’s national basketball team since 2002. She has won 5 gold medals competing in the Olympics and FIBA World Cup tournaments.
Sue’s father traveled to Athens, Beijing, London, and Rio to watch her compete in the Olympics and contribute to Team USA’s ongoing gold medal dominance. Witnessing his daughter represent their country has been a proud moment for Herschel.
Sue has frequently noted that her dad never forced her into basketball or becoming an elite player. The love for the game and competitive spirit came from within. But without Herschel’s devoted coaching and support, she may never have reached the pinnacles of basketball success she has achieved.
Present Day
Now 42 years old, Sue Bird continues to play in the WNBA for the Seattle Storm. She won her 4th championship with the team in 2020. Sue has played her entire 21 season WNBA career in Seattle.
After decades of coaching and training Sue, Herschel Bird remains actively engaged in her career. He provides advice to keep her playing at an All-Star level in her 40s. Herschel also enjoys getting to watch his granddaughter, Sue’s niece Lailen, play basketball.
Father and daughter have an unbreakable bond built through years of hard work on the basketball court. Their relationship is a key part of the Sue Bird story and why she developed into one of basketball’s all-time greats.
Key Facts About Herschel Bird
- Born in 1953 in Long Island, NY
- Played college basketball at Northeastern University
- Married Sue’s mother Nancy in 1977
- Built a basketball hoop in his Syosset driveway for Sue to practice
- Coached many of Sue’s youth basketball teams
- Traveled with Sue’s AAU team as an assistant coach
- Attended Sue’s college and WNBA games to cheer her on
- Father of Sue and her sister Jen
- Still provides basketball advice and support to Sue
Sue Bird’s Basketball Accomplishments
Here is a summary of some of Sue Bird’s top basketball accomplishments over her legendary career:
Competition | Accomplishments |
---|---|
WNBA | 4 championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) 12x All-Star (2002-2003, 2005-2007, 2009-2019) All-WNBA First Team (2002-2005, 2009-2015) 5x WNBA assists leader |
Olympics | 5 gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) |
FIBA World Cup | 3 gold medals (2002, 2010, 2014) |
College (UConn) | 2 NCAA championships (2000, 2002) NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2002) 3x All-American 2x Naismith Award |
High School | 3 NY state championships 3x New York State Player of the Year |
This storied basketball career is due in large part to the dedication Herschel Bird showed in coaching, training, and supporting Sue from childhood into the WNBA.
Conclusion
In summary, Herschel Bird is the father of basketball superstar Sue Bird. As a former college player himself, Herschel helped hone Sue’s skills from an early age. He constructed a basketball hoop in their driveway, coached her youth teams, and worked with her individually for hours. Herschel taught Sue fundamentals, instilled competitive toughness, and built up her basketball IQ.
Sue credits the coaching of her father for developing her into the elite player she became. From Syosset High School to UConn and the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, Herschel Bird has been engaged in Sue’s career. He traveled to watch her biggest games and provided advice and reassurance along the way. The father-daughter relationship built through basketball is a key part of Sue Bird’s journey to becoming one of the WNBA’s greatest legends.