UConn Women Retire Sue Bird’s Iconic No. 10 at Gampel Pavilion

The University of Connecticut (UConn) celebrated a momentous occasion on Sunday as it retired the iconic jersey number of Sue Bird, who wore No. 10 during her illustrious career. This ceremony took place at Gampel Pavilion, coinciding with a dominant victory over DePaul, where UConn won 102-35. Bird, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and WNBA champion, has left an indelible mark on women’s basketball, and this honor reflects her significant contributions to the sport.

Bird’s connection to the number 10 began in her youth, inspired by her sister, Jen Bird, who also chose the number. “My sister was doing all the sports before me, so I was really just following her,” Bird shared. As she developed her own basketball identity, the number became synonymous with her career, a badge of honor that UConn now officially retired.

From Player to Legend

The journey of Bird wearing No. 10 has not always been straightforward. During her youth, she sometimes faced obstacles in wearing her preferred number, including competing for it on various teams. “There were times in junior high school the No. 10 jersey was too small,” Bird recounted. At one point, she was even assigned No. 6 while playing for the USA Basketball team due to the number being locked in by another player.

UConn head coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged Bird’s unique status in women’s basketball, stating, “You do get the feeling there is something special there.” He noted that the program only retires numbers of players who are members of the Naismith Hall of Fame, making Bird’s honor even more significant. With her induction this September, Bird joins fellow UConn legends like Rebecca Lobo and Maya Moore in this exclusive club.

As Bird addressed the crowd, she expressed her gratitude: “So now it belongs to all of us.” This sentiment resonated deeply, as the number will no longer be worn by any player.

A Legacy Beyond the Court

Bird’s influence extends far beyond her statistics and accolades. For countless young athletes, she represents the growth of women’s basketball and the increasing visibility of female athletes in sports. “For generations of women’s basketball players and fans, Sue Bird represents the game’s growth and entry into the mainstream of sports in the U.S.,” Auriemma remarked.

The number 10 has transcended sports; it has become a symbol of excellence across various domains. Bird compared her journey to other legendary athletes like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird, who also created iconic legacies associated with their respective numbers.

Bird’s status as an icon was further solidified as fans celebrated her achievements at the retirement ceremony. A display of memorabilia in UConn’s Legends Lounge showcased her journey, offering a glimpse into the history she helped create.

As Bird reflected on her career, she acknowledged the honor of having her number retired: “The further you get away from a career, the more you can really sit in it and realize how special it is.” This moment serves not only as a tribute to her accomplishments but as inspiration for future generations of athletes who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

Bird’s legacy will continue to inspire young players, with No. 10 now firmly established as a symbol of excellence in women’s basketball. As she looks at her number in the rafters at Gampel Pavilion, she recognizes both the weight of history and the pathways she has helped create for others.