Sue Wicks

Sue Wicks – Life, Career, and Memorable Words

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Learn about Sue Wicks — her journey from a standout collegiate star to WNBA veteran, activist and oyster farmer. Discover her impact, accomplishments, and quotes from a pioneering athlete.

Introduction

Sue Wicks (born November 26, 1966) is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and entrepreneur. Known for her stellar collegiate career at Rutgers and her years playing for the New York Liberty in the WNBA, Wicks also made history by being among the first openly gay players in the league. Beyond basketball, she has embraced life off the court as a coach, youth advocate, and oyster farmer.

Early Life and Family

Susan Joy Wicks was born in Center Moriches, New York, on November 26, 1966. While not a basketball prodigy from birth, her athletic talents became evident during her school years.

She attended Center Moriches High School, where she played basketball and began laying the foundation for her collegiate and professional path.

Youth and College Years

In 1984, Wicks enrolled at Rutgers University and joined their women’s basketball program.

During her collegiate career:

• She was a Kodak All-American in 1986, 1987, and 1988.

• In 1988 she won multiple national player of the year honors: Naismith Player of the Year, U.S. Basketball Writers Association Player of the Year, Women’s Basketball News Service, and Street & Smith’s Player of the Year.

• She claimed Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Year in 1986, 1987, and 1988.

• She led Rutgers to an overall record of 105-21 during the 1986–1988 stretch.

Wicks still holds Rutgers’ all-time records (men’s or women’s) in:

• Points scored: 2,655

• Rebounds: 1,357

• Scoring average: 21.2 points per game

• Rebounding average: 10.9 rebounds per game

• Field goals made/attempted, free throws made/attempted, and blocked shots also remain record marks.

In 1987 she represented the U.S. in the Pan American Games, contributing to the gold medal win.

Her excellence at Rutgers earned her induction into the Rutgers Athletics Hall of Fame in 1994.

Professional Career & WNBA

Pro Basketball Overseas

Before the WNBA existed, Wicks played professionally in various countries: Italy, Japan, Spain, Israel, Turkey, Hungary, and France. These experiences broadened her competitive exposure and prepared her for the eventual launch of the WNBA.

WNBA & the New York Liberty

When the WNBA was established, Wicks returned to the U.S. and in the 1997 WNBA Draft was selected in the first round — 6th overall — by the New York Liberty.

She played six seasons (1997–2002) with the Liberty.

Some highlights of her WNBA tenure:

• In 2000, she was selected as a WNBA All-Star.

• Also in 2000, she won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

• The Liberty made multiple trips to the WNBA Finals during her time, though they fell short of winning a championship.

Over her WNBA career:

• She played in 182 regular season games.

• Averaged about 4.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

• She recorded 823 total points, 788 rebounds, 182 assists, and 158 blocks.

• Wicks ranks among the WNBA’s career leaders in blocked shots (8th all time at the time of her retirement).

She announced her retirement in April 2003.

Post-Playing Career & Impact

Coaching & Youth Initiatives

After retiring as a player, Wicks stayed connected to basketball:

• In 2004 she completed her bachelor’s degree at Rutgers and became Coordinator of Operations for the Rutgers women’s basketball program.

• In 2005 she was named an assistant coach for Rutgers.

• In July 2006, she joined Saint Francis College (Brooklyn) as an assistant coach.

• She also founded an all-girls basketball camp in New York City, aiming to empower female athletes.

• Additionally, she co-founded Fight 2B Fit, Inc., a web-based youth fitness and wellness program.

Advocacy & Identity

Wicks was one of the few WNBA players who publicly discussed sexual orientation while active.

Later Endeavors

Wicks also returned to her roots: in 2017 she started an oyster farming business on Long Island, continuing a family relationship with the water. In recognition of her athletic and community impact:

• She was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2013.

• She was named to Rutgers’ Hall of Distinguished Alumni (2014) and has her jersey retired by Rutgers.

• In 2023 she was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame for sports.

Personality, Traits, and Legacy

Sue Wicks is often described as tenacious, principled, and grounded. Her competitive style combined toughness with fairness — she embraced playing aggressively, yet believed strongly in sportsmanship and respect.

Her honesty about identity and her ability to speak about sexuality in an era less comfortable with such openness mark her as an important voice in sports inclusion. Her career path also demonstrates versatility — from athlete to coach, advocate, and entrepreneur.

Her legacy is reflected in:

1. Trailblazing openness — Wicks helped broaden acceptance of LGBTQ+ athletes in women's sports.

2. Records and performance — Her Rutgers records still stand, and her WNBA contributions remain respected.

3. Empowerment of women — Through camps, coaching, and youth programs, she has worked to lift up the next generation.

4. Life beyond sports — Her shift to aquaculture reflects a willingness to embrace new identities and challenges beyond athletic fame.

Notable Quotes

Here are some memorable words attributed to Sue Wicks, offering insight into her mindset:

“When I see these young girls who are dreaming the dream that I'm living, it's very very exciting and it puts a big smile on my face.”

“I think sportsmanship is knowing that it is a game, that we are only as a good as our opponents, and whether you win or lose, to always give 100 percent.”

“You shouldn't just work on your jump shot. You should work on being a better person, a better teammate, and a better friend.”

“I try to never lose sight of what a special time it is to be a women's basketball player.”

These remarks reflect her belief that character, teamwork, and passion matter as much as physical skill.

Lessons from Sue Wicks

• Goals beyond the game: Her shift into coaching, youth fitness, and farming shows that athletes can cultivate rich, multifaceted lives beyond their sport.

• Be bold in identity: Wicks’ openness about her orientation at a time when few did that in professional sports serves as a model for authenticity and courage.

• Sustain excellence: Her records and honors show sustained commitment to her craft, through college, overseas, and into the WNBA.

• Empower others: Her efforts to mentor, camp, and uplift younger players reflect a philosophy that giving back amplifies one’s legacy.

Conclusion

Sue Wicks is more than a standout basketball player. She is a pioneer of identity, a builder of community, and a model of reinvention. From dominating at Rutgers to forging a meaningful presence in women’s pro basketball, then moving into coaching, advocacy, and entrepreneurship, Wicks exemplifies how passion, integrity, and courage can mark a life well lived — both on and off the court.