UConn Women Honor Sue Bird by Retiring No. 10 Jersey Today

UPDATE: In a historic moment for women’s basketball, the University of Connecticut (UConn) retired Sue Bird’s iconic No. 10 jersey during a ceremony at Gampel Pavilion on October 15, 2023. This significant event coincided with UConn’s decisive victory over DePaul, where they dominated with a score of 102-35.

Bird, a UConn alumna and WNBA legend, captivated the crowd as she reflected on the profound significance of her jersey number. “So now it belongs to all of us,” she stated, acknowledging the legacy she shares with future generations of players. The retirement of her number marks a milestone not only for Bird but also for women’s sports, emphasizing the growth and recognition of female athletes.

In a heartwarming tribute, Bird recalled her journey with the number 10, originally inspired by her sister who chose it because of her October birthday. “I was really just following her. She chose No. 10, and I just stuck with it,” Bird shared. The number has since become synonymous with her identity, as she carved out an extraordinary career that includes five Olympic appearances and multiple championships.

UConn Coach Geno Auriemma expressed his admiration for Bird, noting the unique connection athletes have with their jersey numbers. “You do get the feeling there is something special there,” he remarked. The retired jersey signifies not just Bird’s achievements but also the barriers she broke for women’s basketball.

The ceremony highlighted the importance of jersey numbers in sports culture. As Bird’s number 10 ascends to the rafters, it joins the ranks of legends whose numbers have become symbols of excellence. UConn only retires the jerseys of Naismith Hall of Famers, placing Bird among elite company alongside other UConn greats like Rebecca Lobo and Swin Cash.

As Bird’s jersey is permanently honored, young athletes look up to her as a trailblazer. She has inspired countless players, especially young girls, to pursue their dreams in basketball. “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 noted, emphasizing her impact on future generations.

Now that her number is retired, Bird reflected on its significance. “It’s really such an honor… the further you get away from a career, the more you can really sit in it and realize how special it is,” she stated. The legacy of her number will serve as a beacon for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to embrace their own journeys.

As UConn celebrates this pivotal moment, the focus shifts to the future. The UConn women’s team is poised to continue its legacy of excellence, with Bird’s number 10 serving as a constant reminder of the heights that can be achieved. Fans and players alike will watch closely as new talents emerge, inspired by Bird’s journey and the path she paved for them.

This historic event is not just a celebration of a number; it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of women’s basketball and the profound impact one athlete can have on the sport.