Olympic Gold Medalist Expresses Dissatisfaction Over Paige Bueckers Getting Hometown Renamed After Her

Hometown hero is what they call her. You know, few people really don’t get the hype around Paige Bueckers turning pro, but that’s probably ‘cause they weren’t watching when her name was being put on NBA jumbotrons in high school. This is the same kid who had cameras chasing her before she even hit college. The No.1 recruit. The freshman superstar. And now, the No.1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft. So obviously her hometown had to go all out. But looks like Soccer legend Kelley O’Hara isn’t exactly popping confetti over it.

Before we get into that, here’s what went down. The city council of Hopkins, Minnesota, announced that May 16 will officially be Paige Bueckers Day in honor of her WNBA debut. And for that one day, Hopkins is temporarily renaming itself to Paige Bueckers. Yes, you can literally say you’re driving to Paige Bueckers, Minnesota.

However,  O’Hara, who by the way is a two-time World Cup champ and Olympic gold medalist in USA Soccer, spoke up about the whole thing on the latest episode of ‘Just Women’s Sports’ Sports Are Fun! podcast. And let’s just say, she didn’t hold back.

“I don’t find this very interesting,” she said straight up. “I’m like, if you’re gonna name the city after me for a day, name it after me. Don’t just give me a day.” Shots fired but, like, the funny kind. It was more of a witty little jab than actual shade. Still, she kinda has a point.  A day is sweet but an actual permanent renaming is definitely something out of the world. 

Dec 17, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies guard Paige Bueckers (5) returns up court against the Iowa State Cyclones in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

We’ve seen cities named after the big guns — Washington, D.C. for George Washington, Louisville for King Louis XVI. But obviously that’s not happening here. It’s a big shot. Still, even if O’Hara’s not hyped, the people of Hopkins can’t wait for the day to come. 

 

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