Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon, born on March 11, 1977, is a trailblazing American-Russian basketball coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Renowned for her significant contributions to the sport, she is celebrated as a pioneer for female coaches in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and is regarded as one of the greatest figures in WNBA history.

Hammon's basketball journey began at Colorado State University, where she played for the Rams and earned three All-American honors. She left an indelible mark on the program, becoming its all-time leader in points and assists. Despite going undrafted, she enjoyed a remarkable sixteen-season career in the WNBA, playing for the New York Liberty and the San Antonio Silver Stars. Her exceptional skills as a ball-handler and passer earned her six All-Star selections and four All-WNBA honors.

In addition to her impressive club career, Hammon represented the Russian national team, securing a bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Her contributions to the sport were recognized in 2023 when she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as a player.

Transitioning to coaching, Hammon made history in 2014 when she was hired by the San Antonio Spurs, becoming the first female full-time assistant coach in a major American sports league. During her time with the Spurs, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman to coach in the NBA Summer League and to serve as an acting head coach during an NBA game. In 2021, she took the helm of the Las Vegas Aces, becoming the first WNBA coach to earn over one million dollars annually. Under her leadership, the Aces flourished, winning three championships in her first four seasons and earning the WNBA Coach of the Year award as a rookie head coach.