Ryneldi Becenti facts for kids

Ryneldi Becenti (born August 11, 1971) is a retired American professional basketball player. She made history as the first Native American to play in the WNBA. She played for the Phoenix Mercury in their first season in 1997.

Early Basketball Days

Ryneldi Becenti went to Window Rock High School in Fort Defiance, Arizona. After high school, she attended Scottsdale Community College in Phoenix.

Junior College Star

At Scottsdale Community College, Ryneldi was a top player. She was known as the best point guard in junior colleges during 1990–91. She was also named an NJCAA All-American twice. This means she was one of the best players in junior college basketball.

College Success

After junior college, Becenti played for Arizona State University. She continued to be an amazing player there.

Arizona State Achievements

Ryneldi was chosen for the All-Pac 10 First Team in both of her seasons at Arizona State. This award goes to the best players in the Pac-10 conference. She also received honorable mention All-America honors twice, showing she was one of the top players in the whole country.

International Play

In 1993, Ryneldi played for the United States team at the World University Games. This big event was held in Buffalo, New York. Her team worked hard and won the bronze medal in the competition.

Playing Professionally

Ryneldi Becenti's basketball journey took her around the world before she played in the WNBA.

Playing Overseas

In 1995, Ryneldi started playing professional basketball in Sweden. She also played in Greece and for a short time in Turkey. She was the first Native American woman to play professional basketball for a team in another country.

WNBA Debut

In 1997, Ryneldi signed with the Phoenix Mercury as a free agent. This was a very special year because it was the first season for the WNBA. She became the first Native American player in the league. In 1998, she was chosen by the Chicago Condors in the American Basketball League.

Special Honors

Ryneldi Becenti has received important awards for her achievements in basketball.

Hall of Fame

In 1996, she became the first and only female basketball player to be welcomed into the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. This is a huge honor that recognizes her impact on sports.

Jersey Retired

In 2013, Arizona State University honored Ryneldi in a very special way. They retired her jersey number, 21. This means no other women's basketball player at ASU will ever wear that number again. She was the first women's basketball player at ASU to have her jersey retired.