She’s one of the most popular women’s basketball players in the world.
Becky Hammon’s No. 25 jersey is the third best seller in the league. She even has a sandwich named after her at New York’s famous Carnegie Deli called “The Hammon, Egg, and Cheese,” titled during her stint with the WNBA’s New York Liberty.
And her statistics are among the best in the WNBA: a five time all-star; second in the league in scoring in 2009; and a key reason that the Silver Stars were named WNBA Western Conference Champions in 2008.
But there is more to Hammon than being an icon on the court as a point guard for the San Antonio Silver Stars since 2007.
“Obviously, she’s been successful in her career, but material things don’t mean much to her,” says Leigh Anne Gullet, former PR director for the Silver Stars and close friend.
In the Alamo City, where Hammon owns a home, she is the go-to player when it comes to charitable and community involvement. Hammon can be spotted around town at school assemblies, hostpitals, and various nonprofit fundraising benefits. She even appeared on “Wheel of Fortune” during the show’s NBA Week a few years ago. She played on behalf of the American Red Cross and won – raising $60, 349 for Hurricane Katrina victims.
Much of her charitable activities are focused on women’s and children’s causes. “That’s my big thing,” Hammon says. “I want to encourage women to be strong. And kids, I want to put a smile on their faces along the way and give them hope.”
The South Dakota native is active in the Silver Stars’ Breast Health Awareness program. A variety of activities are held each year to benefir such organizations as the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Inc., Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation and more. Hammon gave the shirt off her back at the special Breast Health Awareness courtside auction this year, where fans we able to bid on a special pink Silver Stars uniforms to benefit charity. Hammon’s jersey alone fetched $6,500.
Her giving has inspired a whole movement of donors in the San Antonio area and points beyond. Loyal fans of Hammon’s have dubbed themselves “the Hammonites,” and each year collect money on Hammon’s birthday and donate it to her charity of choice. This year, she chose Respite Care of San Antonio, a charity that cares for children with special needs. The organization used that money to refurbish its playground.
Hammon was so touched by the organization’s work that she spent time on her own at Respite Care visiting with the children and hearing their personal stories. “She cares about peopls,” Gullet says.
Back on the court, Hammon is spending the off-WNBA season playing overseas for Spain’s championship women’s basketball team, Ros Casares. She will be with the team through December and have a brief break before the Silver Stars return to the court in the spring. Coming back to San Antonio is always a great feeling, she says. “I love the people, the Southern hospitality… I love that.”
Postition: Guard – San Antonio Silver Stars
Age: 32
Family: Single
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Excercise and Sports Science, Colorado State University
Passionate Causes: Women’s and children’s charities
Word of Advice: A positive outlook on life goes a long way.
Philosophy: I’d rather be a gracious loser than an arrogant winner.
Interesting talents: A whiz at Scrabble
Wheels: Cadillac Escalade
Influential Trip: Beijing in’08
Most embarrassing CD you own: Salt n Pepa
Stressbuster: Reading, listening to uplifting music
Little-known fact: Loves sharks – caught her first shark when she was 12 with her hands, a baby one swimming in the shallows in a Maine harbor. Made it a live well for it to swim in.
