NEW YORK — Sue Bird is giving another assist to USA Basketball, becoming the managing director of the women’s national team.
The five-time Olympic champion was named to the newly created position Thursday, and it marks a major change in the way the organization creates its roster and coaching staff.
“I played for USA Basketball for so long and always really enjoyed my time with them,” Bird, 44, said in a phone interview with The Associated Press. “I love representing my country. I love being competitive on that stage. To have that opportunity to do it in a different role is exciting.”
Before the change, a committee made those decisions, but now in a move similar to what the U.S. men’s basketball national team does, Bird will be the one responsible for putting things together. Grant Hill has the same role on the men’s side.
“We are really, really excited about Sue for so many reasons,” USA Basketball CEO Jim Tooley said in a phone interview. “Her pedigree and standing in the sport is so strong. Not just in women’s basketball, but all of sport. She’s a tremendous leader and we’re very excited that she took this on for us.”