sneakHer news: Maya Moore & the Jumpman – an in-depth look at what this step means for Maya, future female athletes, and female sneaker enthusiasts.

Yesterday the internet was set a blaze with the news that UConn Alum, Maya Moore, would become the first female basketball player EVER signed to Jordan Brand.  If you follow women’s college basketball, you’re familiar with Maya’s long list of achievements.  She’s received first team All-American honors each of the four years of her college playing career, won back to back NCAA Championships with her UConn Huskies teammates (2009 & 2010) and was the Number 1 draft pick of the 2011 WNBA draft and signed a deal with the Minnesota Lynx.  HUGE accomplishments for this 21 year old, who, in addition to all those feats, will now be seen as the premier women’s representative of a distinguished footwear brand who’s prestige has been identified with steadfast ability, strength, incomparable skill and trendsetting style.  Although we’ve seen the bulk of those qualities illustrated through male athletes such as Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and more recently, Dwyane Wade; Maya Moore will be the first female basketball star to embody all of those characteristics as a global representative for Jordan Brand.  So what does this all really mean?

For Maya, as stated above, she’ll have the opportunity to globally represent Jordan Brand, empower the female youth with her story of determination and drive, as well as set the tone for the inclusion of even more female basketball athletes in the future (hello Sydney and Skylar!).  I'm certain that we all look forward to seeing how her journey as a WNBA star and JB frontrunner proceeds, but how does this effect female sneakerheads?

Well, it could symbolize a number of things.  There is the possibility that she will receive her own signature shoe, which would be the very first Jordan Brand signature shoe designed for and by a female. The magnitude of that statement ALONE is incredible.  With Kobe Bryant and Lebron James signature shoes from Nike becoming wildly popular amongst female sneakerheads in recent years, it would be nice to rock a signature offering from a female basketball champion.  

There is a likely possibility that we’ll see some ridiculous (in a good way) Jordan numbered retro PEs on the court in Minnesota when Maya suits up to play with her Lynx teammates.  That, in turn, could mean the release of more women’s (not GS) exclusive Jordan Brand retros like those of yesteryear including the WMS “Aqua” 8 and Shy Pink AJ5.  

Or, it could mean none of these things.  I highly doubt, however, that Jordan Brand intends to drop the ball on this monumental acquisition and I am sure they plan on setting up a wonderful platform for Ms. Moore as a Team Jordan member.  

I look forward to what’s to come, as this has been a great stride in a number of industries, whatever the outcome, I hope that Maya receives the support, love, and appreciation she deserves from her peers in the basketball and footwear industries.  We look forward to seeing what’s next and send our congratulations to Ms. Maya Moore and the Jordan Brand!

Read the official press release below:

Jordan Brand Signs Basketball Standout Maya Moore

Record-Setting Champion Joins Jordan Brand Roster as First Female Basketball Athlete
BEAVERTON, Ore. – Today, Jordan Brand, a division of NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE), announced the signing of Maya Moore, two-time NCAA Women’s Basketball National Champion and college basketball’s all-time leader in games won as a player. One of the most decorated athletes in the history of collegiate sports, Moore becomes the first female basketball player to join the Jordan Brand.

Recognized as one of the greatest collegiate women’s basketball players to ever play, Moore led the University of Connecticut Huskies to back-to-back NCAA titles in 2009 and 2010. During her tenure at UCONN, she re-wrote college basketball’s record books by leading the Huskies to a 150-4 record, including an NCAA Division I basketball record 90-game win streak.

“I am thrilled to welcome Maya Moore into the Jordan Brand,” said Michael Jordan. “Not only has Maya proven to be a prolific winner on the court, but her hunger and determination to make an impact off the court makes her a valuable addition to the Jordan family. We look forward to working with Maya as she carries her success to the next level.”

Boasting numerous career accolades which includes earning two National Player of the Year awards (2010, 2011), three Academic All-American awards (2009-2011), four National All-American awards (2008-11), and most recently being named the top overall pick in the 2011 WNBA draft by the Minnesota Lynx, the 6’0” forward will join a renowned lineup of Jordan Brand athletes highlighted by Derek Jeter, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Andre Johnson among others.

“As a student of the game, it is a dream come true to align myself with a brand that has a rich history in sports,” said Maya Moore. “Like most kids, I grew up idolizing Michael Jordan and continue to work relentlessly to reach his iconic status on the court. I’m truly motivated to take my career to the next level as a member of Team Jordan.”