WNBA legend Sue Bird, known for her achievements including four WNBA championships with the Storm, five Olympic gold medals, and four FIBA World Cups, is focusing on the next generation after retirement. Bird is partnering with GEICO to ensure young people understand the importance of sports.
Bird’s Work with GEICO and NCAA
GEICO, through its NCAA partnership, is focused on expanding access to youth sports and is also partnering with Good Sports and local Boys & Girls Clubs. GEICO sponsors the NCAA Men’s Final Four® Dribble & Women’s Final Four® Bounce, with Bird playing a role in the Phoenix event.
Bird spoke about her campaign with GEICO, stating that they’re giving kids access to lessons, equipment, safe spaces and support systems. This allows them to play, grow and feel like they belong.
The Importance of Community Support
Bird is passionate about partnering with people that want to give back to communities. She noted that the Final Four is a marquee event for women’s basketball.
She highlighted GEICO’s campaign, Bounce, as a way of getting the Boys and Girls Club and other kids out and dribbling a ball. Bird stated that she will always be a part of anything that gives back to communities.
Bird’s Personal Experiences
When discussing community change, Bird recalled her childhood experiences. Her parents exposed her to different sports and people.
She remembered interacting with speakers at camps, including Carol Blazejowski, an all-time great women’s basketball player. Bird has vivid memories of Blazejowski’s conversation with them when she was around 11 years old.
Bird’s down-to-earth energy makes you feel as though you are speaking with a wise friend. She seems to know exactly what to say to get you back to your A-game, whether it’s giving pearls of wisdom about handling social media or recounting an inspiring tale.
Advice for Young Athletes
Bird wants young athletes to keep in mind that they have to bring themselves in everything they do. She partnered with Geico because she is passionate about partnering with people that want to give back to communities.