Dearica Hamby Bio
Dearica Marie Hamby is an American basketball player for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Born on November 6, 1993, in Marietta, Georgia, she has established herself as a prominent player. During her time at Wake Forest University, she led her team in scoring and rebounding, becoming their all-time leading scorer. Hamby has earned multiple accolades in her professional career, including being a three-time WNBA All-Star and winning a championship in 2022.
Early Life and Background
Dearica Hamby was born and raised in Marietta, Georgia. She attended Marietta High School before transferring to Norcross High School, where she continued to excel in basketball. Her early exposure to the sport laid the foundation for her future success. After high school, Hamby went on to play college basketball at Wake Forest University, where she further honed her skills and showcased her talent on a larger stage.
Path to Basketball
Hamby’s journey to professional basketball began during her high school years, where she demonstrated exceptional talent on the court. At Wake Forest, she became a standout player, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in both scoring and rebounding during her junior season. Her impressive college career culminated in her becoming Wake Forest’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, with 1,801 points and 1,021 rebounds. In 2015, she was drafted sixth overall by the San Antonio Stars in the WNBA Draft, marking the beginning of her professional career.
Dearica Hamby Career
Early Career (2015–2018)
Dearica Hamby began her professional career with the San Antonio Stars in 2015. During her rookie season, she quickly made an impact, showcasing her skills and versatility as a forward. In 2019, she was recognized for her outstanding performance, earning the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year award. That same year, she tied the WNBA record for the most double-doubles by a reserve off the bench, further solidifying her reputation as a valuable player.
Breakthrough (2019–2022)
Hamby’s breakthrough came in 2019 when she was named the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year. Her performance included an average of 11 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. In a memorable playoff game against the Chicago Sky, she made a game-winning shot that was dubbed the “shot of the year” by the WNBA. In 2022, Hamby played a crucial role in leading the Las Vegas Aces to the WNBA Championship, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Dearica Hamby has achieved several notable milestones, including being a three-time WNBA All-Star and winning the WNBA Championship in 2022. Her accolades also include two WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year awards and the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2024.
Dearica Hamby Award Nominations
Dearica Hamby has received numerous nominations throughout her career, reflecting her impact on the game and her contributions to her teams.
Dearica Hamby Awards Won
Hamby has won several prestigious awards, including the WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year in 2019 and 2020, and the WNBA Championship in 2022. She was also named the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup MVP in 2023.
Dearica Hamby Family
Dearica Hamby is married and has two daughters. Her first daughter, Amaya, was born in February 2017, and her second daughter, Legend Maree Scandrick, was born in March 2023.
Personal Life
Hamby has been open about her family life, sharing her experiences as a mother and athlete. In September 2022, she announced her pregnancy with her second child during the Las Vegas Aces Championship parade. In September 2023, she filed a federal discrimination complaint against the WNBA and the Las Vegas Aces, claiming that her trade was influenced by her pregnancy.
