Elena Delle Donne: A Champion on and Off the Court

Elena Delle Donne is a name synonymous with excellence in basketball. As a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the 2019 WNBA MVP, she has established herself as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. But beyond her impressive on-court achievements, Elena is also a role model and an inspiration to countless people around the world.

Women in Sports: Elena Delle Donne—Biography About WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Delle Donne, Grades 3-5 Leveled Readers (32 pgs)

by Mary Hertz Scarbrough

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1920 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages

FREE

Elena's journey to the top began in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was born in 1989. From a young age, she displayed a natural talent for basketball and quickly rose through the ranks. She attended Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, where she led her team to four state championships and was named a McDonald's All-American.

After graduating from high school, Elena attended the University of Delaware, where she continued to excel on the court. She was named the CAA Player of the Year three times and led the Blue Hens to their first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2009. Elena's outstanding collegiate career earned her the No. 2 overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Chicago Sky.

Elena's professional career has been nothing short of remarkable. She quickly established herself as one of the league's top players, averaging 18.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game in her rookie season. In 2015, she led the Sky to their first WNBA championship, earning Finals MVP honors. After spending four seasons in Chicago, Elena joined the Washington Mystics in 2017.

With the Mystics, Elena reached even greater heights. She won her second WNBA championship in 2019 and was named the league's MVP. Elena also led the Mystics to the 2018 WNBA Finals, where they lost to the Seattle Storm.

In addition to her WNBA success, Elena has also represented the United States in international competition. She was a member of the gold medal-winning teams at the 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games. Elena was also named the FIBA Women's World Player of the Year in 2015.

Off the court, Elena is a passionate advocate for social justice and LGBTQ+ rights. She has used her platform to speak out against racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Elena is also a co-founder of the Elena Delle Donne Foundation, which supports organizations that work to improve the lives of children and families.

Elena Delle Donne is more than just a basketball player. She is a role model, an inspiration, and a true champion. Her on-court accomplishments are undeniable, but it is her off-court impact that truly sets her apart. Elena is a shining example of how one person can make a difference in the world.

Elena Delle Donne Quotes

• "Basketball is my passion, but it's not my purpose. My purpose is to use my platform to make a difference in the world."
• "I want to be remembered as someone who played hard, who always gave 100%, and who never gave up on her dreams."
• "I'm grateful for every opportunity I've been given, and I want to use my voice to help others who don't have a voice."

Elena Delle Donne Awards and Accomplishments

• 2x Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016)
• 2x WNBA champion (2015, 2019)
• 2019 WNBA MVP
• 3x WNBA All-Star (2015, 2017, 2019)
• 2x WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2015, 2019)
• FIBA Women's World Player of the Year (2015)
• 3x CAA Player of the Year (2010, 2011, 2013)

Elena Delle Donne Foundation

The Elena Delle Donne Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports organizations that work to improve the lives of children and families. The foundation focuses on four key areas: education, health, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.

To learn more about the Elena Delle Donne Foundation or to donate, visit the foundation's website at www.elenadonne.org.

Women in Sports: Elena Delle Donne—Biography About WNBA Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Elena Delle Donne, Grades 3-5 Leveled Readers (32 pgs)

by Mary Hertz Scarbrough

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1920 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	33 pages

FREE