Elena Delle Donne On Making the Olympic Team

When the Chicago Sky drafted Elena Delle Donne with the second overall pick in the 2013 WNBA draft, her impact was immediate. The 6’5” combo guard garnered Rookie of the Year honors and led the Sky to their first-ever playoff appearance.

Now, the Delaware-native has become the face of the league. The three-time All-Star led the league in scoring in 2015 (23.4 points per game) and capped off a tremendous season by being named the WNBA Most Valuable Player. She has also lifted the Sky to three-consecutive playoff appearances (including a trip to the Finals in 2014).

But today, she earned what might be her top honor: a spot on the 2016 US Olympic team. Delle Donne will head to Rio to try to add an Olympic gold medal to her trophy case before pursuing a 2016 WNBA championship.

Last month, SI Kids spoke with Delle Donne — before she made the Olympic squad — about playing in Rio, the WNBA’s 20th season, and what Breanna Stewart will mean for the league.

To learn more about Elena Delle Donne and the rest of Team USA, visit teamusa.org. And be sure to catch the Summer Olympics when the Games begin August 5!