100 of the Most Influential Women in Sport >> Coaches

Becky Hammon, USA

Basketball

Hammon didn’t set out to be a pioneer or to inspire thousands of young women around the world. Growing up in South Dakota, she simply wanted to be the best basketball player she could possibly be. Standing at 5ft 6in, that was no easy feat in a league where the average height is over 6ft. But her hard work, positive attitude and influential character traits saw her go on to forge an illustrious 16-year playing career in the WNBA and become a seven-time All-Star after joining the league as an undrafted agent. Her expertise on the court subsequently led to the interest of coaching and, in 2014, she became the first full-time female assistant coach in the National Basketball League (NBA), working with San Antonio Spurs. The 41-year-old’s mantra has always been to inspire the young generation to do things greater than they ever thought were possible. And her inspiring presence and confident attitude rubbed off on the squad fast, guiding Spurs to an NBA championship in 2014 alongside legendary head coach Greg Popovich. In fact, over the past five seasons she has developed into Popovich’s most trusted voice and she can be seen leading the team during matches, diagramming plays, correcting mistakes and commanding huddles after each quarter. Her resume and respect from many colleagues across the league stand for themselves, and she should be in line for an NBA head coach role over the coming seasons such is her excellence, quality leadership and vast knowledge in the game.

– In 2017, Hammon was interviewed for the Milwaukee Bucks head coach role.

– In 2016, she became the first woman to be part of an All-Star coaching staff.

– She became the first female head coach in the NBA’s Summer League, leading the Spurs to the Las Vegas Summer League title in 2015.

– As a member of the San Antonio Stars ladies team, she would eventually have her No. 25 retired by the team in 2016.

– She is considered in the top-15 WNBA Players of All-Time.

Did you know…

Hammon became a naturalised Russian citizen in 2008 and competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. In Beijing, Russia were beaten by the United States in the semi-finals, but went on to clinch a bronze medal.

“You never know what your journey has in store. You just work hard and keep your nose to the grind. You do things the right way. You treat people the right way. And good things happen.” – Becky Hammon (Source: NBA TV)

Twitter: @BeckyHammon

Instagram: officialbeckyhammon