How Tall Is Sue Bird? 5 Feet 9 Inches (175 cm)

Sue Bird is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. This height, which is frequently searched as 'how tall is Sue Bird in feet and centimeters,' makes her one of the taller players in women's professional basketball, especially notable within the context of guard positions in the WNBA. Her stature has contributed to her exceptional court vision, defensive reach, and overall athletic presence throughout her career. While many search for 'Sue Bird height compared to other WNBA players' or 'how tall is Sue Bird in meters,' the standard measurement remains 5'9"—a key physical attribute that complemented her elite skills as a point guard.

Who Is Sue Bird?

Sue Bird is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in the history of women's basketball. Born on October 16, 1980, in Syosset, New York, she played college basketball at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she led the Huskies to two NCAA championships in 2000 and 2002. Known for her composure, leadership, and precision passing, Bird was selected first overall in the 2002 WNBA Draft by the Seattle Storm, where she spent her entire professional career.

Bird’s impact on the game extends beyond statistics. She won four WNBA championships with the Storm (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) and earned numerous accolades, including 13 WNBA All-Star selections and five Olympic gold medals representing Team USA. Her longevity and consistency helped redefine expectations for female athletes in professional sports.

The Significance of Height in Women’s Basketball

In women’s basketball, height plays a crucial role in player positioning, defensive matchups, and offensive strategy. The average height of a WNBA player is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). At 5'9", Sue Bird was slightly below this average, which is typical for point guards—the shortest position on the court.

Point guards are usually responsible for ball handling, playmaking, and initiating offensive sets. Their success often depends more on agility, decision-making, and court awareness than sheer size. However, being 5'9" gave Bird a strategic advantage: she was tall enough to see over defenders and make accurate passes, yet compact enough to maneuver through tight spaces and maintain control under pressure.

Comparatively, centers in the WNBA often range from 6'3" to 6'8", while forwards typically stand between 6'0" and 6'3". Therefore, Bird’s height placed her firmly in the ideal range for her position, balancing visibility and mobility.

Sue Bird’s Physical Attributes and Athletic Profile

Beyond her height, Sue Bird possessed a well-rounded athletic profile that contributed to her dominance:

• Weight: Approximately 155 lbs (70 kg) during her playing years
• Wingspan: Estimated around 5'10"–6'0" (exact measurements not publicly recorded)
• Vertical Jump: Not officially documented, but known for quick lateral movement and excellent timing on defense
• Draft Position: 1st overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft

Her combination of height, coordination, and basketball IQ allowed her to excel even as younger, faster players entered the league. Bird maintained peak performance into her late 30s, retiring after the 2022 season—a testament to her discipline and physical conditioning.

How Does 5 Feet 9 Inches Compare Across Sports?

To contextualize 'how tall is Sue Bird,' it helps to compare her height across different sports and demographics:

Sport / Group	Average Height	Comparison to Sue Bird
WNBA Players (Overall)	5'11" (180 cm)	2 inches shorter
NBA Players (Men)	6'7" (201 cm)	10 inches shorter
Female Olympians (Team Sports)	5'8"–5'10"	Within average range
U.S. Adult Women (Average)	5'4" (163 cm)	5 inches taller
Professional Female Soccer Players	5'6"–5'8"	Slightly taller

This comparison shows that while Bird is above average for American women, she fits comfortably within the norms for elite female team-sport athletes. Her height is neither unusually tall nor short in the broader athletic landscape, but optimal for her specific role.

Why People Search for 'How Tall Is Sue Bird'

The query 'how tall is Sue Bird' reflects broader interests in athlete biometrics, particularly among fans, aspiring players, and fantasy sports participants. Related searches include:

• 'Sue Bird height and weight'
• 'Is Sue Bird taller than Diana Taurasi?'
• 'Average height of WNBA point guards'
• 'How tall was Sue Bird in high school?'
• 'Sue Bird vs. Breanna Stewart height difference'

These variations suggest users are not only seeking raw data but also comparative insights. For instance, Diana Taurasi, another legendary guard, is listed at 6'0", making her one inch taller than Bird. Breanna Stewart, a forward and fellow Storm star, stands at 6'4", highlighting the significant size difference between positions.

Additionally, young athletes often look up to figures like Bird to understand how body type influences performance. Knowing that a successful point guard can thrive at 5'9" may inspire shorter players who might otherwise feel disadvantaged.

Height Measurement Standards in Professional Sports

It’s important to note that athlete heights are often self-reported or measured in non-standard conditions. Shoes, posture, and time of day can affect measurements by up to half an inch. The NBA and WNBA do not require standardized anthropometric testing, so official rosters may contain slight inaccuracies.

For example, some sources list Sue Bird as 5'8" early in her career, possibly due to uniform shoe compression or rounding conventions. However, consistent reporting from UConn athletics, the Seattle Storm media guides, and FIBA profiles confirm her height as 5'9".

If you're researching 'how tall is Sue Bird in meters,' the conversion is 1.75 meters. This metric equivalent is commonly used in international coverage, especially during Olympic broadcasts or European league analyses.

Impact of Height on Sue Bird’s Playing Style

Bird’s height influenced several aspects of her game:

Advantages:

• Passing Vision: Her elevated line of sight helped her survey the court and deliver pinpoint assists.
• Defensive Disruption: She could contest shots and passing lanes better than shorter guards.
• Post-Up Ability: Occasionally, she would back down smaller defenders in the post, using her strength and footwork.

Limited Drawbacks:

• Rebounding: As a guard, rebounding wasn’t a primary responsibility, though her height limited her ability to compete with taller players on the glass.
• Shot Blocking: She wasn’t known for blocks, but her timing and reach compensated somewhat.

Ultimately, Bird maximized her physical tools through skill development and basketball intelligence. Her shooting accuracy, decision-making, and leadership mattered far more than any marginal gain from additional height.

Verifying Athlete Biometrics: Tips for Researchers

When searching for information like 'how tall is Sue Bird' or comparing player stats, consider these verification strategies:

1. Consult Official Team Websites: The Seattle Storm’s historical roster pages provide verified bios.
2. Check NCAA and WNBA Archives: UConn’s athletics site and WNBA.com list player profiles with standardized data.
3. Use Reputable Sports Databases: Sites like ESPN, Basketball Reference, and FIBA.org offer cross-verified statistics.
4. Avoid Unofficial Fan Wikis: While useful, they may contain outdated or unconfirmed info.
5. Look for Press Conference Mentions: Coaches and broadcasters sometimes reference player dimensions during live commentary.

By triangulating sources, you can ensure accuracy when answering questions about athlete height, weight, or other physical traits.

Cultural and Inspirational Impact of Sue Bird’s Career

Beyond her height, Sue Bird’s legacy lies in her trailblazing achievements both on and off the court. As an openly gay athlete, she became a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports. Her marriage to fellow professional athlete Megan Rapinoe (U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team) brought widespread attention to same-sex partnerships in elite athletics.

Young girls and aspiring basketball players often cite Bird as a role model—not because of her height, but because of her perseverance, professionalism, and excellence. She proved that sustained greatness comes from preparation, teamwork, and mental toughness, not just physical gifts.

Moreover, her international play with Team USA and clubs in Russia expanded her global influence. Fans in Europe, Asia, and Australia followed her career closely, further amplifying her status as a basketball icon.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How tall is Sue Bird in centimeters? Sue Bird is 175 cm tall.
• Is Sue Bird taller than the average WNBA player? No, the average WNBA player is about 5'11", so Bird is slightly shorter.
• Did Sue Bird’s height change during her career? There is no evidence of significant change; she remained consistently listed at 5'9".
• Who is taller: Sue Bird or Diana Taurasi? Diana Taurasi is 6'0", making her one inch taller than Sue Bird.
• What is Sue Bird’s height without shoes? Exact barefoot measurements aren’t public, but she likely measures close to 5'8.5" without footwear.