Elena Delle Donne
A transformative talent who walked away from a storied college program to forge her own path, becoming a WNBA MVP and champion.
Born 1989 (age 37)·American basketball player·Birthday: September 5·Millennials
Biography
Elena Delle Donne's basketball narrative is one of audacious independence and transcendent skill. As the nation's top recruit, she famously left Geno Auriemma's UConn dynasty after just two days, choosing to stay close to home and her family, including her sister with special needs. At the University of Delaware, she rewrote record books, proving her elite status wasn't dependent on a blue-blood program. In the WNBA, her unique blend of 6'5" size, guard-like shooting, and basketball IQ made her nearly unguardable. Leading the Washington Mystics to their first title in 2019 while battling through painful back injuries, she authored a story of profound resilience. Delle Donne's career stands as a powerful statement about prioritizing personal well-being while achieving the highest levels of sporting success.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Elena was born in 1989, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Elena Was Born
The biggest hits of 1989
#1 Movie
Batman
Best Picture
Driving Miss Daisy
#1 TV Show
Roseanne
Elena's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1989Born
Berlin Wall falls; Tiananmen Square protests
Gas: $1.00/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Look Away" — ChicagoBest Picture: Driving Miss Daisy
1994Started school
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
2002Became a teenager
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2005Could drive
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2007Could vote
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Turned 21
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2019Turned 30
First image of a black hole; Hong Kong protests
Gas: $2.60/galHome: $224,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Old Town Road" — Lil Nas XBest Picture: Parasite
2026Age 37 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Led the Washington Mystics to their first WNBA championship in 2019, earning Finals MVP honors.
- Named WNBA Most Valuable Player in 2015 and again in 2019.
- Became the first player in NCAA history to record over 3,000 points, 250 blocks, and 250 three-pointers made.
Did You Know?
She was a standout volleyball player in high school and was recruited to play at many top colleges for that sport.
She has Lyme disease and has been an advocate for research and awareness of the illness.
She published a memoir in 2018 titled 'My Shot: Balancing It All and Standing Tall'.
“I think it's really important for athletes to use their platform for things they're passionate about.”
