If you’re going to interview Sue Bird, you had better be prepared. As I stand courtside talking to the Storm’s rookie point guard, I mistakenly refer to her 38-0 season at UConn last year. She shoots me a sly grin and says, “You didn’t do your homework, did you?” (1)

You’ll have to forgive my confusion, but it’s hard to keep track of all of Bird’s accomplishments. On top of UConn’s perfect 39-0 season her senior year and their two national championships, Bird was a two-time All-American and the 2002 Naismith Player of the Year, captured an ESPY as Female College Athlete of the Year and was drafted No. 1 overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft. In her rookie campaign, the 5-9 Bird was second in the WNBA in assists with 6.0 apg, on top of her 14.4 ppg.

Bird’s stunning college success helped prepare her for everything in the WNBA except losing. Bird has lost more games this season than she lost in four years of college (2), but her whip-smart playmaking ability has the Storm winning more than they ever have before. (3)

“I’m starting to learn to deal with it a little bit better,” says Bird of not winning every game, “but I’m not getting used to it.”

If she continues to demonstrate the same tenacity against opponents (and interviewers), losing is something Sue Bird will never have to get used to.

This article is from the Oct/Nov issue of Inside Stuff magazine. Subscribe now to Inside Stuff!

—Jon Azpiri #15

Stuffing
1. As a communications major at UConn, Bird learned the importance of doing research before an interview.

2. During Bird’s tenure at UConn, the Huskies lost only nine games.

3. The Storm went 16-48 in its first two seasons, and 17-15 this year with Bird to earn their first playoff berth.