Becky Hammon

Becky Hammon (born 1977) is an American former professional basketball player and current basketball coach who broke significant gender barriers in professional basketball. As a player, she enjoyed a successful career in the WNBA, playing for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars, earning All-Star selections and establishing herself as a skilled and competitive guard. However, her most significant legacy came as a coach. In 2014, Hammon became an assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs under legendary coach Gregg Popovich, making her the first female assistant coach in NBA history—a groundbreaking achievement that challenged the male-dominated coaching landscape of professional basketball. Her hiring demonstrated that women could excel in high-level coaching positions and deserve opportunities in the NBA. Hammon's coaching credentials and basketball acumen earned respect from players and peers. In 2022, she was named head coach of the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA, becoming one of the most prominent female head coaches in professional basketball. She has coached the U.S. Olympic women's basketball team and earned multiple Coach of the Year considerations. Hammon's career trajectory from player to groundbreaking NBA assistant coach to WNBA head coach represents her consistent excellence and her pioneering role in breaking gender barriers in professional sports coaching.