Breanna Stewart repeated at the ESPY Awards.
Now she’s looking to do the same in Tokyo.
The Seattle Storm star won “Best WNBA Player” at the ESPYs Sunday for the second year in a row, making her one of five back-to-back winners in the award’s history. Two players — Cynthia Cooper and Diana Taurasi — have been honored three straight times.
In her acceptance speech, Stewart highlighted the WNBA’s commitment to social justice causes.
“In the WNBA, it’s bigger than basketball,” she said. “We’re continuing to fight for social justice, for social change. We’re always at the forefront of it. Without the rest of this league and players, I would not be here.”
Stewart, a two-time WNBA champion and three-time All-Star, also thanked the league’s fans for tuning in — and implored others to watch the league grow.
“For the fans that watch us, please continue to watch us,” she said. “For those that don’t, I hope you will start to watch the WNBA, start to get behind us, and continue to help our fight for equality.”
“In the WNBA, it’s bigger than basketball. We’re continuing to fight for social justice, for social change. We’re always at the forefront of it.” @breannastewart accepts her ESPY for Best WNBA Player 🏆 pic.twitter.com/VrJfyljPT8
— espnW (@espnW) July 10, 2021
The Storm are currently sitting atop the WNBA with a 15-5 record, and defending their second championship in three years. They will face off against the Connecticut Sun in the inaugural Commissioner’s Cup Aug. 12.
Until then, Stewart will be focused on going for gold — alongside Seattle teammate Sue Bird. There are five out LGBTQ members on Team USA: Stewart, Bird, Taurasi, Chelsea Gray and Britney Griner.
Team USA dominated in Rio four years ago, crushing Spain by 29 points in the final to win their sixth straight gold medal.
In other words, all they do is win. Stewart is fitting in quite nicely.