Rebecca Lobo Bio and Wiki
Rebecca Lobo helped shape the future of women’s basketball through her outstanding achievements as a player. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1973, she gained national recognition while playing for the University of Connecticut. As the star center, she led the UConn Huskies to an undefeated season and their first NCAA championship in 1995. That year, she also earned multiple national player of the year honors. Lobo then launched her professional career as one of the WNBA’s founding players, joining the New York Liberty in 1997 and later playing for the Houston Comets and Connecticut Sun. In 1996, she represented Team USA and won an Olympic gold medal.
After retiring from the WNBA in 2003, Lobo transitioned into broadcasting and built a successful career as a basketball analyst for ESPN. She used her platform to promote and advocate for women’s sports, helping to elevate their visibility and importance. Her contributions on and off the court earned her induction into both the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.
Rebecca Lobo’s age and birthday
Lobo was born on October 6, 1973, in Hartford, Connecticut, USA. Her zodiac sign is Libra.
Rebecca Lobo’s height and weight
Lobo stands at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) and weighs approximately 185–186 pounds (84 kg).
Rebecca Lobo educational background
Lobo attended Southwick-Tolland Regional High School in Massachusetts, where she became the all-time leading scorer in state history with 2,740 points. She then went on to the University of Connecticut (UConn), where she played from 1991 to 1995 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. At UConn, she not only led the women’s basketball team to its first NCAA championship in 1995 but also excelled academically, earning recognition as the Women’s Basketball Academic All-American of the Year.
Rebecca Lobo dating life, spouse and children
Lobo married journalist and former Sports Illustrated writer Steve Rushin on April 12, 2003. Their relationship began memorably when Lobo confronted Rushin about a dismissive article he had written on women’s basketball. That bold exchange sparked a conversation, led to a game invitation, and eventually blossomed into a romance.
Together, Lobo and Rushin have built a family with four children. They have three daughters, including Siobhan Rose Rushin and Maeve Elizabeth Rushin, as well as a son named Thomas Rushin.
Rebecca Lobo’s nationality and ethnicity
Lobo is an American with a richly diverse ethnic background. On her father’s side, she has Cuban, Spanish-Cuban, Spanish, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Polish (Catholic) heritage, while her mother’s side includes Irish and German ancestry.
Rebecca Lobo’s parents and siblings
Lobo was born to Dennis and RuthAnn Lobo, both educators who emphasized the importance of academics and athletics in their Southwick, Massachusetts, home. Her father also coached basketball, track, and field, creating a supportive environment for athletic growth. The youngest of three siblings, Rebecca looked up to her brother Jason, who played basketball at Dartmouth and became a judge, and her sister Rachel, who played at Salem State and shared a strong bond with Rebecca, including playing high school basketball together. This blend of academic rigor and athletic influence shaped Rebecca’s journey to success on and off the court.
Rebecca Lobo’s career
Lobo launched her basketball career with a historic run at the University of Connecticut from 1991 to 1995. She led the UConn Huskies to a flawless 35–0 season and their first NCAA Championship in 1995. That year, she dominated the national awards circuit, winning the Naismith College Player of the Year, AP Player of the Year, Wade Trophy, NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player, and Academic All-American of the Year. Over her college career, she averaged 16.9 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.8 blocks per game, firmly establishing herself as one of the game’s top collegiate players.
In 1996, Lobo helped Team USA win gold at the Atlanta Olympics, a pivotal moment that raised the visibility of women’s basketball and set the stage for the launch of the WNBA. The following year, she became one of the league’s original players, starting with the New York Liberty. She also played for the Houston Comets and the Connecticut Sun before retiring in 2003. Despite a major ACL injury in 1999 that limited her performance, she earned a WNBA All-Star selection that same year and finished her professional career with averages of 6.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
After retiring, Lobo transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a prominent basketball analyst for ESPN. She co-authored The Home Team with her mother, RuthAnn, a book that explored both their shared basketball journey and RuthAnn’s battle with breast cancer. Committed to advocacy, Lobo co-founded the RuthAnn and Rebecca Lobo Scholarship to support Hispanic students. Her impact on and off the court earned her induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
Rebecca Lobo’s net worth
She has a net worth of $2 million.
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