Dearica Hamby has had quite a few near misses in recent months. But there were some silver linings too. She finished second in the Most Improved Player category with 18 votes. But bumped into an open spot for the Paris 2024, where she was part of the USA 3×3 where they won the Bronze medal. Then, the disappointing 2024 season with the Sparks brought some more cheer as she won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

“I am incredibly grateful to be recognized with the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. This is especially meaningful at this point in my career because it represents values that go beyond winning and to be recognized for that means a lot to me.” Dearica Hamby was the only player to receive votes in double digits. “Being on this list alongside some of the most highly respected players in our league is truly humbling.”

What is the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award?

The award is named after the WNBA’s late legend Kim Perrot. She was instrumental in helping the Houston Comets win their first two WNBA championships (1997-98) as they went on to become the only team to date to have four consecutive rings. Perrot unfortunately passed away at the age of 32 in 1999 after a bout with lung cancer. So, the award honors a player who exemplifies the ideals of on-court sportsmanship, including ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity.

The 3x WNBA Champion did not play during the 1999 season, but even during her tough diagnosis period, would often visit the team. Sadly, she lost the battle before watching her Comets lift the trophy for the third time. But Kim’s No. 10 jersey still hangs in Houston’s Toyota Center. She became the first player of the W to have her jersey retired. Plus, her legacy lives in the children’s treatment center at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, which is called “Kim’s Place” in her honor.

Speaking about the honor, Dearica Hamby got 12 of 67 votes from a national media panel. A national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters submits votes to 10 of the 12 season-ending awards. One of which is the Kim Perrot Award. The Sparks player won ahead of Aces’ Alysha Clark, who finished with nine votes. Thus, she became the third player from the Los Angeles franchise to win the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.

The inaugural winner of the Sportsmanship Award was Haixia Zheng in 1997. And 22 years later, another Sparks star won the award not once but three times. Former Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike won the award consecutively from 2019 to 21. Plus, she was the WNBA head who negotiated for the ground-breaking 2020 collective bargaining agreement. That ultimately saw major pay increases, with the average salary reaching $130,000 and even guarantees of full salaries for players on maternity leave.

Just like how Ogwumike was instrumental in the league, Hamby has been crucial for the Sparks. No one better to speak on her impact on the West Coast franchise than the team behind the scenes who all are grateful for her contributions.

Sparks franchise is over the moon for Dearica Hamby

“D has been our fearless leader this season in the way she plays and how she interacts with all of us off the court as well. We are so proud of her and the incredible season she had!” said teammate Azura Stevens. After all, Dearica Hamby was the only All-Star selected from the bottom side. She was even matching A’ja Wilson in a few stats at some point during the season.

Hamby was the only player besides 2x MVP A’ja Wilson to rank in the top 10 in the league for RPG, SPG, and FG%. Even President Christine Monjer as they worked together first for Aces and now once again with Sparks mentioned, “I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dearica for six years during my time with both the Sparks and Aces, and I can’t think of a more deserving person for this award. Her commitment to ethical play, respect for her teammates and opponents, and unwavering integrity embody the spirit of this award. She not only elevates our organization but also sets a remarkable example for athletes everywhere.”

Rookies Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson fondly call Dearica Hamby ‘Mama Hamby.’ Even Vice President of Community Relations and Social Impact Natalie White called Hamby a “true role model.” It’s not being a leader for a franchise that finished last, but the 30-year-old did it with her on-court performances and off-court connections. From being a support to her teammates in the locker room, being a guide to the incoming talent, to being one of the offensive missiles for the Sparks, Hamby has done it all. Certainly, deserving of the Kim Perrot award.

“Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.”