Sabrina Ionescu Talks Her Immigrant Roots and Married Life

Cosmopolitan

17-07-2025

Basketball was the only thing on Sabrina Ionescu's mind when I caught up with her during her first-ever Nike Asia Tour back in March. And that's no surprise to anyone who's followed her journey since her University of Oregon days. One thing about Sab? She's been dedicated to defining the game long before she joined the WNBA. Now, in her sixth season in the league and with the New York Liberty, that same fire still burns.
So when the iconic Swoosh brand invited me to follow Sabrina to the Philippines and China and interview her across the globe, it was a no-brainer—especially since it meant visiting my roots for the first time (don't get me started on what that soul-shaking, "Is this actually happening?" homecoming was like). Halfway across the world, I witnessed with my own eyes the magnetic pull she has on people abroad. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life, and it wasn't even about me. Watching Sabrina connect with kids, fans, and communities felt bigger than basketball—it was about grit, hope, and being seen and heard in places that often feel invisible. From high-energy clinics and camps to a roaring stadium appearance in Manila and heartfelt moments with supporters in Guangzhou, her reach is undeniable.
As a Filipino-American woman who also came from a first-generation family like the point guard, there's no other way to put it: it hit different. The number of times I teared up when she interacted with people who look like me, who see themselves in her hustle and her confidence, like I do? Too many to count. The whole week was emotional. Because as much as representation matters, presence—and showing up in real life—is everything. And Sabrina? She always gives her everything, on the hardwood and off.
But I didn't fly halfway around the world to ask the same questions she gets asked over and over again. In such a special moment like this, it was only right to go a bit deeper. We all know Sabrina, the hooper. But what about Sabrina, the first-gen Romanian girl from the Bay, the newlywed, the TikTok lover who finds fashion inspo from the clock app like the rest of us?
Over the week, we got to talking. Not gonna lie, it wasn't easy at first. It took a minute to get her to step back, because this isn't just her 9-to-5 that pays the bills—it's all-encompassing. In a lot of ways, it's who she is. But after spending nearly every waking moment together in foreign countries where we were sweating buckets in sticky 90-degree weather and getting barely any sleep for almost seven days straight, we eventually got to her core (you could say we're basically bestie travel buddies at this point).
We talked about what grounds her, what motivates her, and how she handles the pressure of being more than just an athlete. Her parents and tenacious immigrant upbringing came up, along with identity, growing up in the Bay Area, and what it means to lead by example for girls she may never even meet. On top of all that, we also chatted about love, where she opened up about being a wife with a non-stop schedule. It was a conversation that let me see Sabrina just as Sabrina—no stats or highlight reels involved—and it made me appreciate her dedication and heart even more.
Their love and dedication to the game are ingrained in the culture. A passion for basketball starts at a young age for them—you live it, you breathe it. It's been amazing to see that firsthand. You hear about it, catch glimpses on social media, but to dive into the culture, be on the ground, and witness how these kids eat, sleep, and breathe basketball? It's special. And hopefully, we can bring some of that passion back to the U.S., because there's something truly inspiring here.
You nailed it—it's a place where people come from different backgrounds, each with their own story, but all come together on the basketball court with the shared goal of being the best. Growing up there, basketball shaped who I am as a person, instilling that tough, gritty mentality to always strive to be the best on the court. The competition is fierce, and it's been exciting to see how the scene has evolved. Even though I'm not there anymore, it's great to see a new [WNBA] team, the Valkyries, emerging, and the continued rise of sports in that area.
It's surreal. You never really know what it's like until you experience it for yourself. I always see the messages and the fan mail from people all over the world, but being here—really feeling that energy in person—it hits differently. It's wild to think about. There are so many people in this world, with so many idols and role models to choose from. To be that person for someone, whether they're near or far, is always a surreal moment as an athlete.
College. You don't understand it when you're in it, but looking back, during my four years at Oregon, it was amazing to see the fan base grow and help put women's basketball on the map. The team we had there, along with a community that loves basketball, made the fans grow. By my senior year, we were selling out the arena and doubling the men's attendance. It was cool to see how that shift in our sport also shifted the community and women's sports in general.
I never thought I'd end up here. Basketball's all I've ever known, so I never thought about what if it didn't work out. It only really hits me when I think about my parents—they came here with nothing, didn't speak English, and now we're living a life that feels like a movie. None of this was expected. We still talk about how wild it is.
One year of marriage felt like 10 with everything we had going on: We got married, started a WNBA season, went to the Olympics, came back, won a championship—and now we're celebrating our first anniversary…across the world. The sacrifice it takes to show up for each other and the value of a solid support system—that's been everything. When we started dating, he was in the NFL, and I was starting in the WNBA. This was the first year he's been with me for the whole journey. Having that steady presence through all the highs, lows, and stress made a huge difference. The Olympics was my first time on that stage, and having my husband—my rock—there meant everything. I couldn't have had the year I did without him.
My high school teammate Breezi. We've been close since back then and we're still best friends to this day. She's someone I share everything with and has been part of my journey every step of the way. She's been to so many of my games, and always shows up and supports me. We even got married in the same year, which was wild. It's been really special to have that core group of friends from way back still by my side. They've seen it all and have been there for everything.
I definitely don't stand out. For me, it's about being comfortable and understanding my style, showing a bit of my personality through my clothing and streetwear as I walk into a game. Basketball always comes first, so I'm usually focused on the game and just letting my style reflect that.
I'm open to trying different things, but I'm not into the whole shorts or basketball shorts with a blazer look. I know that's a specific style, but sometimes it just doesn't work. As for a basketball trend I'll never wear, probably the socks that match the color of the shoes.
By doing anything that help turn my brain off and detach. Not just putting my phone down, but going for a walk, finding time to go on vacation, laying out by the pool, reading a book, spending time with my family, going to dinner, or watching a movie. It's essential to find time to do what makes you happy.
It changes depending on whether I'm in season or out of season. But my wind-down routine usually involves a solid dinner at home, watching whatever sports are on TV, and just relaxing on the couch. Sometimes I'll use the hot tub or get in the pool—anything that's good for my body and helps me chill. I also prioritize getting a solid eight hours of sleep. I don't cut corners on that.
Playing basketball the right way has always been important to me, along with staying true to myself and trusting who I am. Most importantly, it's about inspiring the next generation of athletes. I want to be the best I can on the court, leave the game better than I found it, and continue to grow the game.