Brittney Sykes, born on February 7, 1994, hails from Newark, New Jersey. She is a talented guard who has made her mark in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Let’s delve into her remarkable journey.
During her time in high school, Sykes emerged as a standout athlete, recognized as a 4-star recruit while representing University High School in Newark. Additionally, she showcased her talent with the Philly Belles club team. Her exceptional performance led to prestigious honors, such as being selected as a 2012 McDonald’s All-American.
Sykes demonstrated remarkable stats, averaging 18.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists during her senior year, ultimately guiding University High School to victory in the Essex County Championship for the 2011–2012 season. Beyond her athletic pursuits, she actively participated in the National Honor Society and the MSG Varsity Club.
Sykes continued her basketball journey at Syracuse University. Despite encountering a knee injury during her third season, she showcased versatility by playing as both a shooting guard and a small forward. Sykes graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Rhetorical Studies, later pursuing a Master’s in instructional design, development, and evaluation.
Sykes entered the WNBA as the seventh overall pick in the 2017 draft, joining the Atlanta Dream. Her professional journey has taken her through the Los Angeles Sparks and now with the Washington Mystics.
She has consistently demonstrated her defensive prowess, earning accolades such as All-WNBA Defensive First Team selections and leading in steals. Despite setbacks, including an ACL tear, Sykes has persevered and realized her potential in the league.
Brittney Sykes inked a deal with the Washington Mystics, securing a three-year contract worth $575,000, with the entire sum guaranteed.
This contract translates to an average annual salary of $191,667. For the year 2024, Sykes is set to receive a base salary of $190,000, with a corresponding cap hit of the same amount.
Sykes accumulated a total of 1846 points, averaging 1.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game, while also recording 85 blocks and 266 steals.
Brittney Sykes, a skilled basketball player, has encountered numerous injuries and obstacles throughout her career, testing her resilience and determination.
During a game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 16, 2023, Brittney Sykes from the Washington Mystics suffered an eye injury, compelling her to exit the game prematurely. Regrettably, due to the severity of the injury, she was unable to return to play.
Sykes has grappled with significant knee injuries that have profoundly affected her professional journey. In July 2022, she reflected on how two knee injuries served as pivotal moments that "saved" her career, underscoring a challenging period where she had to overcome these setbacks. Furthermore, in March 2014, Sykes underwent surgery on her right knee, marking another instance where she had to navigate through a serious injury.
Among the most notable setbacks in Sykes' career was tearing her ACL for the second time in 10 months, an incident that occurred in 2016 and presented a formidable obstacle to her recovery and return to the court.
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Brittney Sykes has appeared on podcasts, discussing her life and career, including "With Leslie Jones and Lenny Marcus" and the Double Down WNBA Podcast's episode on the Washington Mystics.
Online videos also analyze her performance and potential, showcasing her impact on the WNBA. Overall, Sykes actively contributes her insights and experiences to various media platforms within the sports industry.
Brittney Sykes hails from a family with a heartbreaking history. Her sister, Brittany Stykes, was tragically murdered in 2014, leaving behind her young daughter, Aubree. Brittany Stykes was discovered shot to death in her husband's vehicle while 17 weeks pregnant.
Despite this devastating loss, Sykes' family members gather annually near the site of her passing to honor her memory.
The investigation into Brittany Stykes' murder remains ongoing, with authorities offering a $50,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest. This tragedy has deeply impacted Sykes' family, undoubtedly shaping her personal and professional journey.
However, despite the profound sorrow, she has remained resilient, persisting in her pursuit of dreams and achieving notable success in her basketball career.
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