40 Facts About Breanna Stewart

Early Life and Background

Breanna Stewart's journey to basketball stardom began long before she stepped onto a professional court. Here are some fascinating facts about her early years.

1. Born on August 27, 1994, in Syracuse, New York, Breanna Stewart's full name is Breanna Mackenzie Stewart.
2. She started playing basketball at the age of five, showing an early passion for the sport.
3. Stewart's height was already an advantage in middle school, standing at 6 feet tall by eighth grade.
4. Her father, Brian Stewart, was a significant influence, often practicing with her and encouraging her development.
5. Breanna attended Cicero-North Syracuse High School, where she led her team to multiple state championships.

High School Achievements

Breanna Stewart's high school career was nothing short of spectacular. Her performance on the court set the stage for her future success.

6. She was named the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2012.
7. Stewart earned the Naismith High School Player of the Year award in 2012.
8. During her high school career, she scored over 2,000 points and grabbed more than 1,000 rebounds.
9. She was a McDonald's All-American, a prestigious honor for high school basketball players.
10. Breanna was also named the USA Today National Player of the Year in 2012.

College Career at UConn

Breanna Stewart's time at the University of Connecticut (UConn) solidified her status as one of the greatest college basketball players ever.

11. She played for the UConn Huskies from 2012 to 2016.
12. Stewart won four consecutive NCAA championships with UConn.
13. She was named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player all four years, a feat no other player has achieved.
14. Breanna was a three-time consensus National Player of the Year.
15. She finished her college career with 2,676 points, ranking second in UConn history.

Professional Career

Breanna Stewart's transition to professional basketball was seamless, and she quickly became a dominant force in the WNBA.

16. She was the first overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft, selected by the Seattle Storm.
17. Stewart won the WNBA Rookie of the Year award in 2016.
18. She led the Seattle Storm to WNBA championships in 2018 and 2020.
19. Breanna was named the WNBA Finals MVP in both 2018 and 2020.
20. She has been selected to multiple WNBA All-Star teams.

International Play

Breanna Stewart has also made a significant impact on the international stage, representing the United States in various competitions.

21. She won gold medals with Team USA at the 2014 and 2018 FIBA World Championships.
22. Stewart was part of the gold medal-winning team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
23. She helped Team USA secure another gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
24. Breanna was named the MVP of the 2018 FIBA World Cup.
25. She has played professionally overseas, including stints in China and Russia.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond basketball, Breanna Stewart has a rich personal life and diverse interests that shape who she is off the court.

26. She is openly gay and engaged to Marta Xargay, a fellow professional basketball player.
27. Stewart is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and uses her platform to promote equality.
28. She has a tattoo of a phoenix on her right shoulder, symbolizing rebirth and resilience.
29. Breanna enjoys reading and often shares book recommendations with her fans.
30. She is a dog lover and has a pet dog named Ruby.

Awards and Honors

Breanna Stewart's career is decorated with numerous awards and honors, reflecting her impact on the sport.

31. She won the ESPY Award for Best Female Athlete in 2016.
32. Stewart was named the AP Female Athlete of the Year in 2018.
33. She received the WNBA MVP award in 2018.
34. Breanna was honored with the Dawn Staley Award in 2014 and 2015.
35. She was inducted into the UConn Huskies of Honor in 2016.

Overcoming Adversity

Breanna Stewart's journey hasn't been without challenges. Her resilience in the face of adversity is truly inspiring.

36. In 2019, she suffered a torn Achilles tendon, sidelining her for the entire WNBA season.
37. Despite the injury, she remained positive and focused on her recovery.
38. Stewart made a triumphant return to the court in 2020, leading the Seattle Storm to another championship.
39. Her comeback earned her the 2020 WNBA Comeback Player of the Year award.
40. Breanna's story of overcoming injury and adversity serves as an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.

Breanna Stewart's Impact

Breanna Stewart's journey in basketball is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days in Syracuse to becoming a WNBA star, she's shown what dedication and talent can achieve. Her four NCAA championships with UConn, multiple WNBA titles, and MVP awards highlight her dominance on the court. Beyond her athletic prowess, Stewart's advocacy for social justice and equality makes her a role model off the court too. Her efforts to support gender equality and fight against racial injustice resonate with many. As she continues to break records and push boundaries, Stewart's legacy in basketball and her contributions to society will be remembered for years. Whether you're a basketball fan or not, her story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of using one's platform for good. Breanna Stewart truly embodies what it means to be a champion.