The WNBA’s VERY FIRST signing? She wasn’t just a pioneer—she was a QUEEN. 

When the history of women’s basketball is written, few names shine as brightly as Sheryl Swoopes. Often referred to as the “female Michael Jordan,” Swoopes was not just a star on the court but a transformative figure who helped shape the modern landscape of women’s sports.

As the very first player ever signed to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Sheryl Swoopes became a symbol of possibility, excellence, and enduring legacy.

Her journey from a small town in Texas to the international stage is a testament to her talent, determination, and the doors she opened for generations of female athletes.

Early Life and High School Stardom

Born on March 25, 1971, in Brownfield, Texas, Sheryl Swoopes displayed an early affinity for basketball.

Growing up in a sports-loving family, Swoopes honed her skills on neighborhood courts, often playing against boys who underestimated her abilities.

Her mother, Ida Swoopes, recognized her daughter’s passion and supported her ambitions, even as Sheryl faced challenges due to limited opportunities for girls in sports during the 1980s.

At Brownfield High School, Swoopes quickly became a local sensation. Her athleticism, court vision, and scoring prowess set her apart from her peers.

She led her high school team to a state championship, earning statewide recognition and laying the foundation for a remarkable career.

College Career: Texas Tech and NCAA Glory

Sheryl Swoopes began her collegiate journey at South Plains College before transferring to Texas Tech University, where she would etch her name into the annals of NCAA history.

At Texas Tech, Swoopes’ impact was immediate and profound. In her senior season (1992-93), she delivered one of the most memorable performances in NCAA women’s basketball history.

During the 1993 NCAA Championship game, Swoopes scored an astonishing 47 points against Ohio State, leading the Texas Tech Lady Raiders to their first national title.

Her record-setting performance earned her the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award and solidified her status as a generational talent.

Swoopes finished her college career as a consensus All-American, capturing the attention of basketball fans and scouts nationwide.

Olympic Gold and International Success

Swoopes’ excellence extended beyond the collegiate level. She was selected to represent the United States in international competition, joining the legendary 1996 U.S.

Women’s Olympic Basketball Team. That squad, stacked with future Hall of Famers, dominated the Atlanta Olympics, capturing the gold medal and elevating women’s basketball to new heights in the American consciousness.

Swoopes’ versatility, defensive tenacity, and scoring ability made her a key contributor to Team USA’s success.

Her Olympic gold medal not only validated her status as one of the world’s elite players but also set the stage for the next phase of her career.

The Birth of the WNBA and a Historic Signing

In 1996, the landscape of professional women’s basketball in the United States was about to change forever.

The NBA announced the formation of the Women’s National Basketball Association, with the inaugural season set for 1997.

As excitement built, the league sought to sign marquee players who could serve as ambassadors and role models.

Sheryl Swoopes made history as the first player ever signed to the WNBA.

This groundbreaking moment was more than a personal achievement—it was a powerful statement about the league’s commitment to excellence and the potential of women’s professional basketball.

Swoopes’ signing generated headlines across the country and inspired countless young athletes to dream bigger.

Houston Comets Dynasty: Four Straight WNBA Championships

Swoopes joined the Houston Comets, a franchise that would soon become synonymous with dominance.

Alongside fellow legends Cynthia Cooper and Tina Thompson, Swoopes helped build a dynasty that set the standard for excellence in the WNBA’s formative years.

From 1997 to 2000, the Houston Comets captured four consecutive WNBA championships—a feat unmatched in league history.

Swoopes’ contributions were pivotal at both ends of the floor. Renowned for her smooth offensive game, lockdown defense, and unselfish play, she was the engine that powered the Comets’ success.

During this era, Swoopes’ rivalry with other top players, her clutch performances in the playoffs, and her leadership in the locker room became the stuff of legend.

The Comets’ sustained excellence helped legitimize the WNBA and attracted a loyal fan base, ensuring the league’s survival and growth in its critical early years.

Personal Accolades: Three-Time WNBA MVP

Individually, Sheryl Swoopes’ list of accolades is staggering. She won the WNBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award three times (2000, 2002, 2005), a testament to her sustained excellence and impact on the game.

Swoopes was also a perennial All-Star, a Defensive Player of the Year, and a member of multiple All-WNBA and All-Defensive teams.

Her versatility was unmatched—Swoopes could score from anywhere on the court, create opportunities for her teammates, and shut down the opposing team’s best player.

Her basketball IQ and competitive spirit made her a nightmare matchup for any opponent.

Off the court, Swoopes became a role model for young athletes, using her platform to advocate for women’s sports and equality.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Generations

Beyond her on-court achievements, Sheryl Swoopes broke barriers in ways that transcended basketball.

In 2005, she became one of the first high-profile athletes to publicly come out as gay, a courageous move that challenged stereotypes and sparked important conversations about inclusion and acceptance in sports.

Swoopes’ openness inspired countless others to live authentically and helped pave the way for greater LGBTQ+ visibility in athletics.

Her legacy as a trailblazer extends far beyond her statistics and championships—she changed the culture of sports and empowered others to follow in her footsteps.

Life After Basketball: Coaching and Advocacy

After retiring from professional basketball, Swoopes transitioned to coaching, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of players.

She served as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at Loyola University Chicago and later returned to Texas Tech as a coach and mentor.

Swoopes has also been an outspoken advocate for women’s sports, equity, and social justice.

She remains a sought-after speaker, inspiring audiences with her story of perseverance, leadership, and breaking barriers.

Honors and Recognition

Sheryl Swoopes’ contributions to basketball have been recognized with numerous honors.

She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, cementing her place among the all-time greats.

Her jersey has been retired by Texas Tech, and she is celebrated as one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time.

Swoopes’ influence can be seen in the generations of players who followed her—athletes who grew up watching her dominate the court and who now carry the torch of women’s basketball forward. Her impact is woven into the fabric of the sport, from youth leagues to the professional ranks.

Sheryl Swoopes’ Enduring Legacy

Today, the WNBA is stronger than ever, with a global following and a new generation of stars.

Much of this success can be traced back to pioneers like Sheryl Swoopes, whose vision, skill, and courage helped build the league from the ground up.

As the first player ever signed to the WNBA, Swoopes set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire.

Her journey—from a Texas high school standout to an icon of international basketball—serves as a reminder that greatness is achieved through hard work, resilience, and a willingness to break new ground.

Sheryl Swoopes will forever be remembered as a game-changer at every level: a college champion, an Olympic gold medalist, a three-time WNBA MVP, and, above all, a trailblazer who changed the face of women’s basketball.