Sheryl Swoopes Hall of Fame NBA

Sheryl Swoopes is one of the most accomplished and influential players in women’s basketball history. Drafted first overall by the Houston Comets in the inaugural 1997 WNBA season, she quickly became the face of the league. Known for her scoring, defense, and leadership, Swoopes led the Comets to four consecutive championships (1997–2000). She was the first player in WNBA history to record a triple-double and the first to win three league MVP awards (2000, 2002, 2005).

A tenacious defender, she also earned Defensive Player of the Year honors three times. Beyond the WNBA, Swoopes captured three Olympic gold medals with Team USA and was celebrated for her ability to perform on the biggest stages. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, she left an enduring legacy as a trailblazer, role model, and champion who elevated women’s professional basketball to new heights.

Swoopes' Awards and Honors

• 4× WNBA Champion (1997–2000)
• 3× WNBA MVP (2000, 2002, 2005) – first player to achieve this
• 3× WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2000, 2002, 2003)
• First WNBA player to record a triple-double
• Olympic Gold Medals: 1996, 2000, 2004
• Named to WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time (2011)

WNBA Records

• First player in WNBA history to win three MVP awards (2000, 2002, 2005)
• First WNBA player to record a triple-double in both regular season and playoffs
• Only player in WNBA history to win MVP and Defensive Player of the Year
• Member of the All-WNBA First Team five times
• Won four consecutive WNBA Championships (1997–2000) with Houston Comets

WNBA Teams

Houston Comets 1997–2007
Seattle Storm 2008
Tulsa Shock 2011

WNBA Draft:
1997: Allocated
Houston Comets

Number Worn:
22

WNBA Stats

Career:
1997–2011
WNBA Championships:
4 (1997–2000)
WNBA MVP:
3× (2000, 2002, 2005)
Olympic Gold Medals:
3 (1996, 2000, 2004)
Career Points:
4,875
Career Rebounds:
1,567
Career Assists:
1,037