WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The Seattle Storm was honored Monday in a White House ceremony, celebrating the team’s record-tying fourth WNBA championship win last year.
President Joe Biden formally invited the team, which was in Washington, D.C. over the weekend to play the Washington Mystics.
The Storm beat the local team 85-78 Sunday night ahead of meeting with the president and First Lady Jill Biden Monday afternoon.
"This organization is no stranger to success. Four WNBA championships, tied for the most of any franchise and five players are Olympians," Biden said. "Breanna Stewart, Sue Bird and Jewell Lloyd, thank you for bringing the gold home."
The three gold medalists also got to present Biden with his own Seattle Storm jersey.
"President Biden, thank you so much for welcoming us into the White House as people who are a part of women’s sports. It feels good to be back in this place and have our achievements celebrated in this way," Bird said.
It’s the first time the team has visited the White House under Biden. The Storm is also the first WNBA team to be honored with a White House ceremony since the 2015 Minnesota Lynx.
Biden is giving special honor to the team’s work off the court, including the Storm’s “Force4Change” Initiative.
The Storm’s Director of Community Engagement Crystal Langhorne gave remarks about the initiative and how the team is using its social justice platform to create change in Seattle and other areas around the country.
“Social justice cannot fade into the background," she said. "We have to continue to amplify, invest and do whatever we can to be a force for change. Being the first women’s team to visit this administration, an administration that aligns with so many of our values is such an honor.”
Congressman Rick Larsen and Congresswoman Kim Schrier were also in attendance.
The team last visited the White House in 2011.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.