Elena Delle Donne: WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist

Elena Delle Donne is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. In her career, she has been named WNBA Most Valuable Player twice, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a six-time WNBA All-Star. She also led the United States women's national basketball team to a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.

Women in Sports: Elena Delle Donne—Biography About WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Delle Donne, Grades 3-5 Leveled Readers (32 pgs)

by Mary Hertz Scarbrough

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1920 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages

FREE

Early Life and Career

Elena Delle Donne was born on September 5, 1989, in Wilmington, Delaware. She began playing basketball at a young age and was a standout player at Ursuline Academy in Wilmington. After graduating from high school, she played college basketball for the University of Delaware.

In her freshman year at Delaware, Delle Donne was named the CAA Rookie of the Year. She continued to excel in her sophomore and junior seasons, earning All-CAA First Team honors both years. As a senior, she led the Blue Hens to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in school history.

WNBA Career

Delle Donne was selected second overall by the Chicago Sky in the 2013 WNBA Draft. She quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, averaging 18.6 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in her rookie season. She was named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting.

In 2014, Delle Donne led the Sky to their first WNBA championship. She was named the WNBA Finals MVP after averaging 23.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in the series.

In 2015, Delle Donne was traded to the Washington Mystics. She continued to play at a high level, averaging 21.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in her first season with the Mystics. She was named to the All-WNBA First Team and won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

In 2016, Delle Donne led the Mystics to their first WNBA championship. She was once again named the WNBA Finals MVP after averaging 23.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game in the series.

In 2017, Delle Donne missed the entire season due to a back injury. She returned to action in 2018 and led the Mystics to their third WNBA championship in four years. She was named the WNBA MVP after averaging 20.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game.

In 2019, Delle Donne was named the WNBA MVP for the second time in her career. She averaged 21.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in the regular season and led the Mystics to their fourth WNBA championship in five years.

International Career

Delle Donne has also represented the United States women's national basketball team in international competition. She helped the United States win a gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She also won a gold medal at the 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women and a bronze medal at the 2015 Pan American Games.

Legacy

Elena Delle Donne is one of the most successful and decorated basketball players in history. She has won two WNBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and two WNBA MVP awards. She is also a six-time WNBA All-Star and the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year.

Delle Donne is known for her versatility and athleticism on the court. She is a skilled scorer, rebounder, and defender. She is also a vocal leader and role model for young girls.

Elena Delle Donne is a true champion and an inspiration to all who know her story. She is a role model for young girls and a symbol of hope for those who are facing challenges.

Women in Sports: Elena Delle Donne—Biography About WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Delle Donne, Grades 3-5 Leveled Readers (32 pgs)

by Mary Hertz Scarbrough

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1920 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages

FREE