Betnijah Laney-Hamilton

Image of Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Image of Player Betnijah Laney-Hamilton

Player Information

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (born October 29, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball for Rutgers University. Known for her outstanding skills and leadership on the court, Laney-Hamilton has made significant contributions to her teams, achieving numerous accolades including a WNBA championship and being named an All-Star. She is active in philanthropy, mentoring young athletes and advocating for diversity in sports.
Birthdate:
29 October 1993
Full Name:
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
Birthplace:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nationality:
United States
Gender:
Female
Height (cm):
183
Weight (kg):
75
Parents:
Yolanda Laney (Mother)
Status:
Married
Partner:
Jordan Hamilton
Education:
Smyrna (High School), Rutgers (College)
Career Started:
2015
Notable Achievements:
WNBA champion (2024), WNBA Most Improved Player (2020), WNBA All-Star (2021), WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2020), WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2023), WNBA Commissioner's Cup Champion (2023), Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award (2022), First-team All- Big Ten (2015), Second-team All- AAC (2014), Big East All-Freshman Team (2012), McDonald's All-American (2011)
Current Team:
New York Liberty
Draft Year:
2015
Drafted By:
Chicago Sky
Previous Teams:
Chicago Sky (From 2015, To 2016), Perth Lynx (From 2015, To 2016), Bendigo Spirit (From 2017, To 2018), Connecticut Sun (From 2018, To 2018), Indiana Fever (From 2019, To 2020), Elitzur Holon (From 2019, To 2020), Atlanta Dream (From 2020, To 2021), Elitzur Ramla (From 2020, To 2021), New York Liberty (From 2021, To Present), Laces BC (From 2025, To 2025)
Player Active:
From - 2015, To - Present

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Bio

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (born October 29, 1993) is an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played college basketball for Rutgers University. Known for her outstanding skills and leadership on the court, Laney-Hamilton has made significant contributions to her teams, achieving numerous accolades including a WNBA championship and being named an All-Star. She is active in philanthropy, mentoring young athletes and advocating for diversity in sports.

Early Life and Background

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and started playing basketball at the age of 10, largely influenced by her mother, Yolanda Laney, who played basketball competitively. Laney-Hamilton attended Smyrna High School in Smyrna, Delaware, where she excelled in basketball, averaging 23.7 points, 10 rebounds, 4.4 steals, 4.3 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game as a senior. Her impressive performance earned her the title of McDonald’s All-American. Following high school, she played college basketball at Rutgers University from 2011 to 2015, where she continued to develop her skills and make a name for herself in the sport.

Path to Basketball

After a successful college career at Rutgers, where she played 129 games and averaged 10.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton entered the professional arena. She was selected by the Chicago Sky as the 17th overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft. Her early years in the league included a stint with the Perth Lynx in Australia, where she made a significant impact in the WNBL, earning Player of the Month honors and leading her team to the finals.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Career

Early Career (2015-2018)

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton began her professional career with the Chicago Sky in 2015, where she averaged 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in her rookie season. However, her second season was cut short due to a knee injury that sidelined her for the entire year. After recovering, she signed with the Connecticut Sun in 2018, marking a pivotal moment in her career as she sought to regain her form and make a lasting impact in the league.

Breakthrough (2020-2021)

Laney-Hamilton’s breakthrough season came in 2020 while playing for the Atlanta Dream, where she was named the WNBA Most Improved Player and earned a spot on the All-Defensive Team. Her performance helped elevate her profile in the league, leading to her signing with the New York Liberty in 2021. The Liberty experienced a rebuilding phase during her first year, but Laney-Hamilton’s contributions were crucial as the team aimed for playoff success. In 2023, she played a vital role in the Liberty’s journey to the WNBA Finals, ultimately helping the team secure the championship in 2024.

Notable Works and Milestones

Throughout her career, Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has achieved several notable milestones, including being named a WNBA All-Star in 2021 and winning the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup in 2023. Her leadership on the court and commitment to excellence have made her a standout player in the league.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Award Nominations

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton has received numerous award nominations throughout her career, reflecting her talent and contributions to the sport of basketball.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Awards Won

Laney-Hamilton has won several prestigious awards, including the WNBA Most Improved Player in 2020 and the WNBA championship in 2024, showcasing her growth and impact in professional basketball.

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton Family

Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is married to Jordan Hamilton, who is also a professional basketball player. The couple shares a strong bond through their mutual love for the sport.

Personal Life

Outside of basketball, Laney-Hamilton is actively involved in philanthropy. In February 2024, she joined the WNBA Changemakers Collective, collaborating with VOICEINSPORT to mentor young athletes and promote diversity in sports. Her commitment to empowering the next generation of players highlights her dedication to making a positive impact both on and off the court.