Congratulations to the Seattle Storm’s Nneka Ogwumike, the first four-time winner of the WNBA’s Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Ogwumike previously received the honor three-consecutive seasons (2019-21) as a member of the Los Angeles Sparks.
Named in memory of the late Kim Perrot, a member of the Houston Comets’ first two championship teams before losing her battle with cancer in 1999, the award is given to a player who exemplifies ethical behavior, fair play and integrity: the ideals of on-court sportsmanship. Ogwumike received 18 of 72 votes, with the Connecticut Sun’s Saniya Rivers coming in second with 11 votes. The Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier and Golden State Valkyries’ Kayla Thornton both received seven votes to tie for third.
Ogwumike’s embodiment of sportsmanship extends beyond the 40 minutes of play on the hardwood.
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In her capacity as president of the WNBPA, Ogwumike not only leads the fight for player equity, but also uplifts the integrity of her fellow players. Ogwumike’s embrace of Angel Reese, among others, exemplifies her brand of leadership, where the she supports the players’ rights to unapologetically pursue all their ambitions.
Former and current teammates alike also have expressed appreciation for Nneka. When a still a member of the Storm, Li Yueru shared her admiration for the example that Ogwumike sets with her professionalism. At the Storm’s exit interviews, Ezi Magebegor likewise expounded upon how much she has valued having Ogwumike as a teammate.
