Elena Delle Donne won a gold medal on the basketball court, and now hopes to launch golden dreams in a new role going into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Delle Donne was named the first-ever Women’s National Team Managing Director for USA Basketball’s 3×3 program.
The former Ursuline Academy and University of Delaware All-American said she remembered getting the call to play on the 2016 Olympic Team, and what it will mean to make those calls for 3×3 players.
“I was actually playing in Chicago at the time, and I had made the National Team and I was going to be on the Olympics. So now to be on the other side of this is emotional for me, and I’ll never take for granted.”
3×3 Basketball was introduced at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (played in 2021), and more closely resembles half-court basketball with the reduced rosters.
Delle Donne told USA Basketball in a story for their website, that she knows different styles shine in the 3×3 variety of the game.
“I need players who are high motor. It’s a fast-paced game. You need to have that grit and toughness to push through extreme fatigue. It also requires players who can play with versatility, guard any player on the court and shoot the 2-pointer. I’m hoping to include other players who might be interested and get them some experience.”
Delle Donne officially retired from the WNBA in April after a 10-year professional career that included a championship with the Washington Mystics in 2019.
The two-time WNBA MVP dealt with back injuries, and has also been fighting the long-term effects of Lyme Disease since college.
At UD, she scored over 3,000 points, and guided Delaware to their first-ever Sweet Sixteen appearance, and scored over 2,000 points at Ursuline while leading them to four titles in her five seasons.
Now, Delle Donne will officially pass the torch and playing opportunities to the next basketball generation.
“I had no idea that as a player it could lead to something to something like this, telling them their dream has come true.”