Dearica Hamby’s Resilience Shines as She Leads Sparks and Rebuilds Career

Written By: Jackie Rae

The 2019 season was unforgettable for WNBA forward Dearica Hamby, who emerged as a cornerstone of the Las Vegas Aces during their rise to dominance in the league.

Drafted sixth overall in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the San Antonio Stars—later renamed the Las Vegas Aces—Hamby’s 2019 performance solidified her role as a game-changer. Coming off the bench, she averaged 11 points and nearly eight rebounds per game. Her season-defining moment came in the playoffs when she hit a game-winning shot against the Chicago Sky, earning her the Sixth Player of the Year Award. Hamby repeated this feat in 2020, and though she narrowly missed a third consecutive win for the award in 2021, she earned her first All-Star nod that same year.

Hamby’s star continued to rise in 2022, as she was once again named an All-Star and played a pivotal role in the Aces’ championship-winning season. It seemed her life in Las Vegas was picture-perfect. She loved her team, her home, and was raising her daughter while preparing to welcome another child.

But in January 2023, Hamby’s world shifted dramatically when she was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks. During her first press conference as a Spark, Hamby fought back tears as she described the pain of leaving Vegas. Shortly after, she accused the Aces and coach Becky Hammon of pregnancy discrimination and alleged retaliation for speaking out about it. The WNBA suspended Hammon for two games without pay and docked the Aces a 2025 first-round draft pick for providing impermissible benefits involving Hamby.

The turmoil took a visible toll on Hamby. During her first season with the Sparks, she averaged just 8.9 points per game, and the team struggled on the court. Despite the challenges, Hamby entered the 2024 season with renewed focus, vowing to make a difference for the Sparks and aiming to earn at least one MVP vote. Her determination shone through.

In 2024, Hamby earned a bronze medal in the Women’s 3-on-3 basketball competition and delivered her best season yet. She received the MVP vote she’d hoped for, finished second in the Most Improved Player race, was a WNBA All-Star, and was the undisputed leader for the Sparks. Hamby started all 40 games, leading the team in scoring (17.3 points), assists (3.5), and rebounds (9.2), securing a contract extension through the 2025 season.

Despite her legal battle against the Aces and the WNBA over alleged discrimination, Hamby has embraced her role in Los Angeles. Her leadership, both on and off the court, has been transformative for a young Sparks team that affectionately calls her “Mama Bear.” She is not just rebuilding her own career; she’s laying the foundation for the Sparks’ future while reminding the league of her resilience and impact.

Hamby’s journey is a powerful testament to her grit, determination, and passion for the game. Her ability to rise above adversity marks her as a vital figure for both the Sparks and the WNBA.