20 long years in the league and all with one team. A retired jersey, a street named after, and a part of the franchise owned, Sue Bird has come to be inseparable from the Seattle Storm. But as she remains in spirits, the team needs someone to take the reins on the court, weaving the league’s legacy through generations. Who better than Jewel Loyd and whose words better to guide than the franchise’s most celebrated?

Bird’s retirement in 2022 marked the end of an era, but her influence still shines. “Well, to be honest,” the Seattle legend said, “since I’ve retired, I’ve been around the team a lot, and I try to be present. But when we were teammates, it was more about those everyday conversations.” She didn’t sit Loyd down for a tutorial on shooting or anything; it was more about mindset, being a leader, and what it means to represent and carry a franchise.

“Not just to championships, but like every day and how to embody that and how to get other people like your teammates involved in that way and feel ownership within that,” she added. In 2023, the 13× WNBA All-Star was proud to see Loyd step into a leadership role.

Although she doesn’t take any credit for it, “It made me proud to see her come out of her shell,” she expressed on the podcast. Bird and Loyd’s bond has been nurtured over the years through multiple games and shared experiences. After the Storm drafted Loyd first overall in 2015, she found herself playing alongside the legendary point guard, learning not just the game but life.

They played together for several seasons, including clinching the title in 2018 and 2020. The 2015 WNBA Rookie of the Year has always proven her brilliant skills, but she amazed everyone with her leadership last season.

Jewell’s Leadership: Taking charge of the Storm

Jewell Loyd is not just carrying the torch, she’s blazing her own trail. As the season 2023 unfolded, her leadership became more evident. She stepped up her game both on and off the court, with an impressive scoring average of 24.7 points per game and dishing out 3.4 assists. Her standout moments included several games where she scored over 30 points, leading the Storm to thrilling victories. 

In a nail-biter against the Phoenix Mercury, she scored 32 points. In her own words, “I mean, I don’t have to do anything crazy. I’ve always let my work do most of the talking and learning and demonstrating. I think now it’s using my voice here and there.” And her ability to step up in big moments was evident in key games against opponents like the Minnesota Lynx, where she dropped 41 points. 

In 2024, the WNBA star solidified her leadership skills, especially after the departures of both Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. Her commitment to communication enhanced team chemistry as they welcomed new players like Nneka Ogwumike, Nika Muhl and Skylar Diggins-Smith. Although she averaged 19.7 points with 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists, her vocal presence stood out. 

As of the Seattle Storm, they finished with a record of 25 wins and 15 losses, placing them fourth in the league standings. Unfortunately, their playoff run ended early, as they were eliminated in the first round. Let’s hope the team comes back stronger next year!