Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon: biography

Becky Hammon is a former professional basketball player and current coach for the Las Vegas Aces of the Women’s National Basketball Association. Hammon is widely recognized for her pioneering role as a woman in the NBA.

Childhood and youth

Becky Hammon was born on March 11, 1977, in Rapid City, South Dakota, and grew up in a basketball-loving family. She developed a passion for the sport from an early age.

During her childhood and youth, Hammon attended Stevens High School in Rapid City, where she excelled on the basketball court. She was a standout player, earning recognition as South Dakota Miss Basketball in 1995. Despite being overlooked by many college recruiters due to her height, Hammon received a scholarship offer from Colorado State University.

At Colorado State, Hammon's skills and talent flourished. She became one of the most decorated players in Rams history, setting numerous records and earning multiple All-American honors. Her leadership and scoring ability propelled the team to success, and she was instrumental in their NCAA Tournament runs.

Hammon's tenacity and determination shone throughout her basketball journey, as she proved that skill and determination can transcend physical attributes. Her impressive college career and unwavering dedication to the game paved the way for her professional career in the WNBA and her historic coaching role in the NBA.

Beyond her basketball accomplishments, Becky Hammon is known for her humble and hardworking nature, traits that were likely nurtured during her childhood and youth. Her upbringing and early experiences undoubtedly shaped her into the remarkable athlete and coach she is today.

Basketball career

Becky Hammon's basketball career is marked by her exceptional skills, leadership, and resilience. Despite facing challenges and going undrafted in the WNBA, she carved out a successful professional career and became one of the most respected figures in women's basketball.

After her college career at Colorado State University, Hammon joined the New York Liberty in 1999 as an undrafted free agent. She quickly made an impact and established herself as a dynamic point guard. Throughout her eight seasons with the Liberty, Hammon showcased her scoring ability, court vision, and tenacity. She earned All-Star honors six times and became the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

In 2007, Hammon was traded to the San Antonio Stars, where she continued to excel on the court. She consistently ranked among the league's top scorers and solidified her reputation as one of the best guards in the WNBA. During her time with the Stars, she earned two more All-Star selections.

Hammon's contributions to the game extended beyond the WNBA. She played overseas during the WNBA offseason, competing in leagues in Russia and Spain. Her success in international play included winning the EuroLeague title with CSKA Moscow in 2007.

Coaching career

Following her retirement as a player in 2014, Hammon made history by becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history. She joined the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff, working under head coach Gregg Popovich. Hammon's basketball acumen, strong work ethic, and ability to connect with players made her an invaluable asset to the Spurs organization.

Hammon's coaching career continued to flourish, and she gained recognition for her tactical knowledge and leadership skills. She had the opportunity to serve as the head coach of the Spurs' summer league team and showcased her coaching abilities. Her success as an assistant coach has positioned her as a highly sought-after candidate for head coaching positions in both the NBA and WNBA.

On December 30, 2020, during her seventh season with the San Antonio Spurs, an unprecedented moment occurred. In a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the second quarter. As a result, Becky Hammon, an assistant coach at the time, stepped in and made history as the first woman to serve as an acting head coach in an NBA game.

Following this groundbreaking moment, Hammon continued to make strides in her coaching career. In December 2021, she was appointed as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces, a team in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). In her inaugural season as a head coach, she achieved an incredible feat. Under Hammon's leadership, the Aces emerged victorious in the 2022 WNBA Finals, securing the championship title. This remarkable accomplishment made her the first rookie head coach to ever win the WNBA Title.

Becky Hammon's journey from being an assistant coach in the NBA to becoming a championship-winning head coach in the WNBA showcases her exceptional coaching abilities and her impact in breaking gender barriers in professional basketball. Her historic achievements have inspired countless individuals and further advanced the progress of women in coaching roles in both the NBA and WNBA.

Personal life

It’s known that Becky Hammon is dating Brenda Milano, who is a former basketball coach at St Francis College. They have been dating since 2015.

Hammon is known for her strong work ethic and dedication to basketball, which has been a defining characteristic throughout her life. She has often attributed her success to her relentless drive and passion for the sport.

Hammon is also known for her involvement in philanthropic endeavors. She has been actively engaged in charitable work, including various initiatives focused on promoting sports and education among underprivileged youth. Her commitment to giving back to the community highlights her desire to make a positive impact beyond the basketball court.

Achievements and accomplishments

Becky Hammon has achieved numerous accomplishments throughout her basketball career, both as a player and a coach. Here is a list of some of her notable achievements:

As a Player:

• Six-time WNBA All-Star (2003, 2005-2007, 2009, 2011).
• WNBA Top 15 Players of All Time selection.
• San Antonio Stars (formerly the Utah Starzz) all-time leading scorer.
• Two-time All-WNBA First Team selection (2007, 2009).
• All-WNBA Second Team selection (2005).
• EuroLeague champion with CSKA Moscow (2007).
• EuroBasket Women bronze medalist with Russia (2009).

As a Coach:

• First full-time female assistant coach in NBA history (San Antonio Spurs, 2014-present).
• Head coach of the San Antonio Spurs' summer league team (2015, 2016, 2019).
• Associated with the Spurs during their playoff runs and championship-winning season (2014).
• Highly sought-after candidate for head coaching positions in both the NBA and WNBA.

Becky Hammon's achievements not only highlight her individual success as a player and coach but also underscore her pioneering role as a woman in the male-dominated world of professional basketball. She continues to break barriers, inspire aspiring athletes, and contribute to the growth and inclusivity of the sport.