Overview
- In a pregame ceremony on Dec. 7, Bird’s jersey was lifted to the rafters as she told the crowd, “This is home,” before the top-ranked Huskies routed DePaul 102–35.
- Coach Geno Auriemma introduced her as the greatest point guard in the history of basketball, a tribute delivered on court in front of Bird’s family and former teammates.
- UConn players wore throwback uniforms associated with Bird, and video messages from program greats, including Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart, were played during the celebration.
- Bird’s résumé includes two NCAA titles at UConn, four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm, five Olympic gold medals and the WNBA’s all-time assists record.
- The retirement capped a year of honors for Bird, including Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction in June, a Seattle statue in August and Naismith Hall induction in September, as recent alums Paige Bueckers and Aaliyah Edwards also returned to practice with the team.