The Seattle Storm started the season on a high note, but failed to deliver what they promised. And that clearly showed up in their recent shakeup as Storm fired the whole coaching staff after the first-round playoff exit.
None of that even came closer to Nneka Ogwumike and her efforts for the team this season. Despite ending the season on a low note, the star power forward made it to the prestigious Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award.
Nneka Ogwumike Wins Fourth WNBA Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award
While there were many takers for the award, the Storm veteran stands alone as the only WNBA player to win the honor four times. Ogwumike’s fourth Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award, announced Monday, sets her apart in WNBA history. She outpaced legends like Sue Wicks, Sylvia Fowles, and Tamika Catchings, who each won it twice.
Named for Houston Comets point guard Kim Perrot, who unified stars like Sheryl Swoopes and Cynthia Cooper during their dynasty run from 1997-99, the award honors ethical play and integrity. Something that the league saw as the best qualities Ogwumike embodies.
Congratulations to Nneka Ogwumike of the @seattlestorm for being named the recipient of the 2025 Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award 👏
— WNBA (@WNBA) September 22, 2025
Ogwumike is the first player in league history to win the award four times, having previously earned the honor in three consecutive seasons from… pic.twitter.com/pfBHVGovd1
Perrot, who tragically died of cancer in 1999, was the glue for those championship teams, and Ogwumike’s leadership mirrors that spirit. She first won in 2019 with the Los Angeles Sparks, then again in 2020 and 2021, before adding her fourth with the Storm in 2025 after signing a one-year deal in 2024 and re-upping in January.
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Nneka Ogwumike Has Been Fire For Storm This Season
Just as the league recently celebrated, Ogwumike’s 2025 season was a masterclass. She averaged 17 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal per game. Additionally, she also led Seattle in scoring and boards, proving her two-way prowess at 35.
On August 26, despite a 95-85 loss to the Fever, she dropped 17 points, including a three that made her the fourth Storm player to hit 700 points in a season, joining Lauren Jackson, Jewell Loyd, and Breanna Stewart.
Her clutch gene popped off against the Mystics days earlier, when Ogwumike’s turnaround fadeaway jumper at the buzzer sealed an 84-82 win, capping a third straight victory with 30 points on 11-of-15 shooting and six rebounds.