As she was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, Elena Delle Donne celebrated her family and expressed her definition of greatness
Hall of Famer Elena Delle Donne was one of the greatest players of her generation, and always put family first.
Elena Delle Donne, inductee into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, celebrated her family and the true meaning of greatness during her speech at Symphony Hall in Springfield, MA. A two-time WNBA MVP, champion, and Olympic gold medalist, Delle Donne emphasized the importance of the people awaiting her after the applause faded.
She credited her wife, parents, siblings, niece, aunts, and uncles for their support. Emotionally, she dedicated her words to her sister Lizzie, who is deaf, blind, and has cerebral palsy. Delle Donne realized that greatness is not defined by accolades but by courage, joy, and being there for another day. The WNBA champion also reflected on her time with the University of Delaware and the Washington Mystics, where she pursued family closeness.
She highlighted her remarkable 2019 season, including setting a WNBA record for shooting 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. Delle Donne also expressed gratitude for her fellow Delaware teammates, Coach Marianne Stanley, and Sky teammate Sylvia Fowles, with whom she had a warm rapport.
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