When the Seattle Storm lost star forward Lauren Jackson to retirement, they had to find a new co-star for Sue Bird.
After a couple of disappointing seasons, they landed the number one pick in 2016, picking Breanna Stewart from UCONN. She is now joining the New York Liberty after spending seven seasons with the Storm. Upon her departure from Seattle, all the city and Storm fans can do is salute their queen.
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Taking Success By Storm
In spite of Seattle’s elimination in the playoffs, Stewart’s first campaign was nothing short of successful. She won rookie of the year, and was named to the WNBA All-Rookie, WNBA All-Defensive Second, and Second Team All-WNBA teams. Bird mentioned “she literally saved my career, there’s no ifs ands or buts about it” when they were teammates.
Seattle’s first taste of success with Stewie would take place in 2018, her third year in the league. Stewart was a vital piece in the Storm’s chase for a third championship. She won the league MVP award after averaging 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and shooting 41.5% from three-point land per game. Stewart guided Seattle to the championship and won finals MVP, adding to her accomplishments.
When the league shifted to the wubble in Bradenton, Florida in 2020, Stewart was just as successful. She averaged 19.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, guiding the Storm to their fourth championship. Stewart won another Finals MVP as she added to her successful career. Her championships and MVPs showed her impact on the Emerald City, but her impact in basketball is felt globally.
Stewie Proves Her Invincibility
In 2019, Stewart missed the Storm’s season after she suffered a torn Achilles playing overseas. Seattle missed her impact on the court after losing in the first round of the playoffs. In 2021, she suffered a foot injury that cut her season short. While her seasons in Seattle have been cut short, Stewie follows up the next year with success.
After her foot injury, she finished second in MVP voting in 2022, averaging 21.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, while shooting 41.5% from deep per game last season. The Storm failed to win the championship last season, but Stewart still excelled in the playoffs. In her last game, she scored 42 points, matching the WNBA record for most points in a playoff game.
She leaves Seattle proving that injuries will not stop her success, but instead motivates her to accomplish more. Stewie’s golden touch has impacted on the court, but her off-court accomplishments did not go unnoticed, either.
The Queen Reigns Everywhere
Even though Stewart succeeded on the court in Seattle, she also had an amazing off-court impact. In 2021, she married her wife Marta Xargay, a former WNBA player who most recently played for the Phoenix Mercury. Their family grew after Stewie won her second gold medal when they welcomed their daughter, Ruby. She gained many fans in Seattle, and is sure to gain many more as she grows up in the Empire State.
Not only did Stewart add to her family, but she also set history growing her brand in the Seattle.
Stewart signed with Puma in 2022, and she became the first woman in over a decade to put out a signature shoe. When her shoe came out, Stewart said “I hope that it helps bring women’s basketball to another level, to another light, to continue to get recognition,” adding, “And know that, yeah, I’m the first women’s basketball [signature] shoe in over a decade, but there should be a lot more coming.”
The Stewie Ones have meaningful elements to Stewart, including scar markings on each of the heels, which represent her Achilles surgeries.
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As Stewart takes on the bright lights in New York, her impact in Seattle will never be forgotten. The MVPs, championships and stats only tell a part of the story that is her Storm career. She impacts winning wherever she goes, which is why Coach Quinn calls her “the best player in the world”.
Stewie, you will forever be a major part of Storm history, and all the fans in the Pacific Northwest can say is thank you, and best of luck in New York.
