Brittney Sykes is an American professional basketball player who currently plays guard for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA. Known for her scoring, defensive tenacity, and leadership, Sykes is a two-time WNBA steals leader, multiple-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a key offensive force for her team.
Early Life and Background
-
Full Name: Brittney Sykes
-
Date of Birth: February 7, 1994
-
Hometown: Newark, New Jersey
-
Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)
-
Weight: 154 lbs (70 kg)
-
Position: Guard
-
High School: University High School, Newark
-
McDonald’s All-American (2012)
-
-
College: Syracuse University
-
Standout guard for the Orange
-
Earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Rhetorical Studies
-
Later completed a Master of Science in Instructional Design, Development, and Evaluation
-
College Career
-
Syracuse University (2012–2017):
-
Led team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances
-
Known for scoring and defensive versatility
-
First Syracuse player drafted as high as seventh overall in the WNBA draft
-
Professional Career
-
WNBA Draft: 1st round, 7th overall, 2017 WNBA Draft by Atlanta Dream
-
Teams:
-
Atlanta Dream (2017–2019)
-
Los Angeles Sparks (2020–2022)
-
Washington Mystics (2023–present)
-
-
WNBA Stats (through 2025):
-
Career averages: ~12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.5 steals per game
-
Best season (2023, Mystics): 15.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals per game
-
2025 (early season, Mystics): Career-high 21.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.3 steals per game
-
Career highs:
-
Points: 33 (vs. Phoenix Mercury)
-
Assists: 9
-
Rebounds: 12
-
Steals: 7
-
-
Scoring milestone: Reached 3,000 career points in 2025 (one of the top 90 WNBA players to do so)
-
-
Overseas:
-
Played in Israel (Hapoel Petah Tikva) and Australia (WNBL)
-
WNBL Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
-
All-WNBL First Team (2022)
-
-
3×3 Basketball:
-
Played in the inaugural season of Unrivaled (2024), winning the championship with Rose BC and hitting the game-winning shot
-
Achievements & Honors
-
WNBA steals leader (2021, 2022)
-
2× WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2021, 2023)
-
2× WNBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020, 2022)
-
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2017)
-
WNBL Defensive Player of the Year (2022)
-
All-WNBL First Team (2022)
-
Unrivaled 3×3 League champion (2024)
-
McDonald’s All-American (high school)
-
First Syracuse player drafted as high as seventh overall in the WNBA
-
Reached 3,000 career points in 2025
Playing Profile
-
Strengths:
-
Elite scoring and playmaking
-
Tenacious defender and steals leader
-
High basketball IQ and leadership
-
Clutch performer in big games
-
-
Style:
-
Aggressive, dynamic guard who excels in transition and half-court offense
-
Brings toughness, championship experience, and a team-first mentality
-
FAQs About Brittney Sykes
What position does Brittney Sykes play?
Guard
Which team does she play for?
Washington Mystics (WNBA)
How old is Brittney Sykes?
31 (born February 7, 1994)
What are her main achievements?
WNBA steals leader (2021, 2022), 2× WNBA All-Defensive First Team, 2× WNBA All-Defensive Second Team, WNBA All-Rookie Team, WNBL Defensive Player of the Year, All-WNBL First Team, Unrivaled 3×3 champion, McDonald’s All-American, reached 3,000 career points
What is her playing style?
Versatile, aggressive guard with elite scoring and defense
Conclusion
Brittney Sykes is a dynamic and accomplished guard whose scoring, playmaking, and defensive intensity have made her a cornerstone for the Washington Mystics and one of the most respected figures in women’s basketball.
(Age, statistics, and honors are as of June 2025.)
