Jewell Loyd, born on October 5, 1993, in Lincolnwood, Illinois, is a professional basketball player currently playing as a guard for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA.
Known as the “Gold Mamba”—a nickname bestowed upon her by the late Kobe Bryant—Loyd rose to prominence after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Seattle Storm in the 2015 WNBA Draft.
A standout at Niles West High School in Skokie, Illinois, and later at the University of Notre Dame, Loyd has since become a two-time WNBA champion, a six-time All-Star, and an Olympic gold medalist.
Off the court, she is a businesswoman and philanthropist, co-owning ventures like a Smoothie King location in Skokie with her brother.
Siblings
Jewell has one sibling, an older brother named Jarryd Loyd, who is eight years her senior.
A talented athlete in his own right, Jarryd played college basketball at Valparaiso University from 2004 to 2008, where he earned a reputation as a standout guard.
After college, he pursued a professional career overseas, playing in Europe, including a stint with CSU Sibiu in Romania, before retiring.
Jarryd’s influence on Jewell was profound; she has often credited him with inspiring her competitive spirit, recalling moments like a memorable no-look pass she threw to him during a pickup game at Drake Park that sparked her passion for the sport.
Career
Loyd’s basketball career is a testament to her relentless drive and versatility.
After a stellar high school career at Niles West, where she averaged 24.8 points and 11.9 rebounds per game and had her jersey number retired, Loyd excelled at Notre Dame.
Also Read: Megan Gustafson Siblings: Get to Know Emily Gustafson
There, she scored 1,909 points, led the Fighting Irish to two NCAA championship games, and was named the 2015 ACC Player of the Year.
Entering the WNBA in 2015, Loyd quickly established herself with the Seattle Storm, earning Rookie of the Year honors in her debut season.
She spent a decade with the Storm, becoming a franchise cornerstone alongside legends like Sue Bird, before being traded to the Las Vegas Aces in a blockbuster three-team deal in January 2025.
Internationally, Loyd has represented the United States, winning gold medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, as well as multiple FIBA World Cup titles.
Beyond the WNBA, she has played professionally in Turkey, China, Korea, and Spain during offseasons, showcasing her global impact.
Accolades
Loyd’s collegiate accolades include two ACC Tournament MVP awards (2014, 2015), the 2013 USBWA National Freshman of the Year, and the 2015 espnW National Player of the Year.
In the WNBA, she has secured two championships (2018, 2020), six All-Star selections (2018, 2019, 2021-2024), and the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game MVP award.
Loyd made history in 2023 as the league’s scoring leader with a record-breaking 939 points in a single season, earning her the WNBA Peak Performer title.
Her international resume boasts six gold medals, including Olympic victories in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, along with triumphs in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup and 3×3 World Championship.
Off the court, her contributions to her community, including partnerships with organizations to support youth, further cement her legacy.