Born March 25, 1971, in Brownfield, Texas, was WNBA forward, guard and Texas Tech star Sheryl Swoopes. Sheryl played on Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, and Tulsa Shock during her tenure in the WNBA wearing the Number 22. Her career accomplishments include 15.0 points per game average, three WNBA MVP Awards, six All-Star Game appearances, and four WNBA Championships.
Sports History
Sheryl SwoopesSheryl Swoopes Women's Basketball Starlet
From Texas Courts to National Champion
Swoopes' basketball journey began on dusty courts in West Texas. Her aggressive style and exceptional athleticism led her to dominate high school basketball, becoming a national champion at Texas Tech University in 1993. She shattered scoring records, earning Player of the Year honors and showcasing her potential on a national stage.
The Dawn of the WNBA and Instant Stardom
In 1996, Swoopes became a foundational figure in the newly formed WNBA. Signed by the Houston Comets as the first draft pick, she embodied the league's potential. Her ferocious play and leadership propelled the Comets to four consecutive WNBA championships (1997-2000). Swoopes became a household name, inspiring a generation of young girls and proving the marketability of women's basketball.
Beyond Championships- A Dominant Force
Swoopes' impact went beyond championships. She was a three-time WNBA MVP, showcasing her versatility with impressive scoring, rebounding, and defensive prowess. She became the first player to record a WNBA triple-double, a feat she would repeat later in her career. Her relentless competitiveness and unmatched work ethic set a standard for excellence in the young league.
A Global Icon and Overcoming Obstacles
Swoopes' talent transcended national borders. She anchored the USA Basketball team, capturing three Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004) and a FIBA World Championship gold medal in 1998. However, her career wasn't without challenges. As a young mother, she navigated the demanding schedule of professional basketball, becoming a role model for working mothers in athletics.
A Legacy of Empowerment and Inspiration
Sheryl Swoopes' retirement in 2011 marked the end of an era. She left behind a legacy of dominance, shattering records and defying expectations. More importantly, she paved the way for future generations of female basketball players, demonstrating that women's basketball could be a platform for athletic excellence and empowerment. Her influence goes beyond the court – she is a symbol of resilience, leadership, and the power of chasing one's dreams.
Sheryl Swoopes was the former Texas Tech Women's Basketball star that became one of the faces of the WNBA. During her brilliant career, Sheryl proudly wore the Number 22 on the Houston Comets, Seattle Storm, and Tulsa Shock. She was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame for her accomplishments.
Sheryl Swoopes Career Stats
Sheryl Swoopes WNBA Stats, numbers and more on Basketball-Reference.com
May 9 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 5 -19 May 9, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's rookie pitcher, Earl Moore threw a no-hit ballgame for a full nine innings...
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May 8 Numbers
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May 7 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 51 - 34 May 7, 1917 - Babe Ruth was an outstanding hitter right? Well he was a pretty good pitcher too. On this day in history...
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May 6 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 5 - 22 - 7 - 8 May 6, 1915 - The Sultan of Swing, Future Baseball Hall of Fame hitter, Babe Ruth smacked his first M...
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May 5 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. May 5, 1904 - Did you ever wonder how you get your name on an iconic award? This next story is a great step towards doing just that...
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