Early Life and High School Basketball Career
Breanna Stewart, also known as Stewie, was born on August 27, 1994, in Syracuse, New York. From an early age, she displayed immense talent and passion for basketball. Stewart played for Cicero-North Syracuse High School, where she led the team to three consecutive state championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013.
During her high school career, Stewart racked up numerous accolades. She was named New York’s Miss Basketball three times and was voted both WBCA National Player of the Year and Naismith Prep Player of the Year in both 2012 and 2013. Her dominance on the court earned her the nickname “Stewie Monster”.
Dominance at UConn
Stewart continued her basketball career at the University of Connecticut (UConn) from 2012 to 2016. Her college career was nothing short of brilliant, cementing her status as one of the greatest college players of all time.
Some key highlights of her UConn career:
- 4-time NCAA champion (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- 4-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
- American Athletic Conference Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
- AP College Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
- Wade Trophy Winner (2015, 2016)
- Naismith College Player of the Year (2015, 2016)
Stewart led UConn to an incredible 151-5 record over her 4 years. She also holds the UConn records for most career points scored (2,676 points) and most career blocked shots (414).
WNBA Career
The Seattle Storm selected Stewart first overall in the 2016 WNBA draft. She made an immediate impact, winning Rookie of the Year in 2016.
Some major highlights thus far in her WNBA career:
- 2x WNBA champion (2018, 2020)
- WNBA Finals MVP (2018)
- 4x WNBA All-Star (2017, 2018, 2019, 2021)
- All-WNBA First Team (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
- 2x All-WNBA Second Team (2021, 2022)
- WNBA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- WNBA scoring leader (2019)
Despite missing the entire 2019 season with an Achilles injury, Stewart returned in 2020 and led the Storm to another championship. She continues to establish herself as one of the most dominant players in the WNBA.
USA Basketball Career
Stewart has been a fixture on USA basketball teams, winning gold medals at every level. Some highlights:
- 4x Gold medalist at FIBA World Cups (2013, 2014, 2018, 2022)
- Gold medalist at the Olympics (2016, 2020)
- Gold medalist at FIBA U19 World Cup (2013)
- Gold medalist at FIBA U17 World Cup (2011)
She was named MVP of the 2018 FIBA World Cup and qualified for the 2020 US Olympic team before her Achilles injury. After recovering from her ruptured Achilles, Stewart returned to win another Olympic gold medal in Tokyo in 2020.
Stewart’s Legacy
Despite being just 28 years old, Stewart has already crafted a legendary basketball resume. With 4 NCAA titles, 2 WNBA titles, 4 World Cup gold medals, and 2 Olympic gold medals, she has achieved more than most WNBA players do in their entire careers.
After returning from her ruptured Achilles, Stewart is back to playing at an MVP level. She is simply unmatched when it comes to versatility – able to score, rebound, pass, and protect the rim at an elite level.
As she continues her WNBA career with more potential championships on the horizon, Stewart is undoubtedly building a case as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. Her impact on the game will be felt for generations.
Conclusion
In summary, Breanna Stewart has excelled at every level of basketball. From high school stardom to college dominance at UConn, to WNBA championships and gold medals with USA Basketball, she has already become a legend of the game at just 28 years old. Despite suffering a major injury, Stewart’s talent and work ethic have allowed her to return better than ever. She is poised to continue adding to her legacy as one of the most accomplished and talented players in the history of women’s basketball.
FAQs
Q: How many NCAA championships did Stewart win at UConn?
A: Stewart won 4 NCAA championships at UConn (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016).
Q: What injury caused Stewart to miss the entire 2019 WNBA season?
A: Stewart missed the 2019 season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon she suffered while playing overseas.
Q: How many Olympic gold medals has Stewart won with USA Basketball?
A: Stewart has won two Olympic gold medals (2016, 2020).
Q: What are some of Stewart’s most prestigious individual awards?
A: Some of Stewart’s top individual accolades include 4-time NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, AP College Player of the Year (2015, 2016), WNBA Finals MVP (2018), and 4x WNBA All-Star.
Q: What is Stewart’s nickname inspired by her dominant play?
A: Stewart’s nickname is “Stewie Monster”, inspired by her incredible talent and ability to take over games.
