Last Updated on July 14, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Championship teams are built on more than star power. Every successful WNBA roster has players who change games the moment they step off the bench. The WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year Award, first introduced in 2007, recognizes the league’s top reserve who consistently provides elite production without being a regular starter. (WNBA)

Some winners have become All-Stars, while others helped define championship dynasties through scoring, defense, leadership, and versatility.

1. DeWanna Bonner (3× Winner)

Awards: 2009, 2010, 2011
Team: Phoenix Mercury

DeWanna Bonner remains the most decorated Sixth Woman in WNBA history. Coming off the bench during Phoenix’s high-powered offensive era, she immediately became one of the league’s most difficult matchups with her length, scoring ability, and defensive versatility.

Career highlights

  • First three-time Sixth Woman of the Year
  • Key contributor to Phoenix’s championship success
  • Later developed into a perennial All-Star and MVP candidate

Legacy

Bonner proved that elite players don’t always need to start to dominate games. (WNBA)

2. Dearica Hamby (2× Winner)

Awards: 2019, 2020
Team: Las Vegas Aces

Dearica Hamby became the heartbeat of the Aces’ second unit with her relentless energy, rebounding, and transition scoring. Her ability to swing momentum earned her back-to-back Sixth Woman awards before eventually becoming a full-time starter.

Strengths

  • Elite rebounder
  • Excellent finisher
  • Versatile defender
  • High-impact energy player

3. Allie Quigley (2× Winner)

Awards: 2014, 2015
Team: Chicago Sky

One of the greatest shooters in WNBA history, Allie Quigley transformed Chicago’s offense by stretching defenses with elite perimeter shooting and instant scoring.

Why she stood out

  • Outstanding three-point shooter
  • Efficient scorer
  • Clutch late-game performer

4. Jonquel Jones

Award: 2018
Team: Connecticut Sun

Before becoming league MVP, Jonquel Jones dominated opposing second units with her rebounding, rim protection, and offensive efficiency.

Breakthrough season

  • Elite rebounder
  • Shot blocker
  • Future MVP and Finals MVP

5. Kelsey Plum

Award: 2021
Team: Las Vegas Aces

Plum reinvented her career after injuries by embracing a sixth-player role before returning to the starting lineup as one of the WNBA’s elite guards.

Career resurgence

  • Explosive scoring
  • Improved efficiency
  • Championship contributor

6. Tiffany Hayes

Award: 2024
Team: Las Vegas Aces

Hayes gave Las Vegas another experienced scoring option, providing defense, veteran leadership, and instant offense whenever she entered the game.

Key qualities

  • Aggressive scorer
  • Veteran experience
  • Defensive intensity

7. Alysha Clark

Award: 2023
Team: Las Vegas Aces

Clark rarely filled the stat sheet with huge scoring nights, but her defense, leadership, and timely shooting made her one of the league’s most valuable reserves.

Strengths

  • Elite perimeter defense
  • Championship experience
  • Reliable three-point shooting

8. Brionna Jones

Award: 2022
Team: Connecticut Sun

Jones became one of the WNBA’s most efficient post players while anchoring Connecticut’s bench before eventually earning a starting role.

Known for

  • Interior scoring
  • Rebounding
  • Consistent efficiency

9. Sugar Rodgers

Award: 2017
Team: New York Liberty

Rodgers supplied instant offense and perimeter defense, becoming one of the WNBA’s most dependable reserve guards.

Highlights

  • Reliable outside shooting
  • Defensive hustle
  • Valuable two-way production

10. Jantel Lavender

Award: 2016
Team: Los Angeles Sparks

Lavender’s low-post scoring and rebounding helped power one of the deepest frontcourts in the league during the Sparks’ championship era.

Strengths

  • Efficient inside scorer
  • Physical rebounder
  • Reliable veteran

11. Riquna Williams

Award: 2013
Team: Tulsa Shock

Williams became famous for explosive scoring outbursts capable of changing games within minutes.

Career profile

  • Elite microwave scorer
  • Dangerous three-point shooter
  • Instant offense

12. Renee Montgomery

Award: 2012
Team: Connecticut Sun

Montgomery brought speed, ball handling, and scoring punch off the bench while stabilizing Connecticut’s second unit.

Known for

  • Fast pace
  • Strong playmaking
  • Perimeter shooting

13. Candice Wiggins

Award: 2008
Team: Minnesota Lynx

One of the league’s brightest young guards, Wiggins quickly became one of the WNBA’s best reserve scorers early in her career.

Highlights

  • Dynamic scorer
  • Athletic wing
  • Immediate offensive spark

14. Plenette Pierson

Award: 2007
Team: Detroit Shock

The inaugural Sixth Woman of the Year winner, Pierson played a major role in Detroit’s championship success with her toughness and versatility.

Legacy

  • First player to win the award
  • Physical defender
  • Reliable frontcourt contributor

Greatest Sixth Woman Dynasties

Player Awards Teams
DeWanna Bonner 3 Phoenix Mercury
Dearica Hamby 2 Las Vegas Aces
Allie Quigley 2 Chicago Sky
Tiffany Hayes 1 Las Vegas Aces
Alysha Clark 1 Las Vegas Aces
Kelsey Plum 1 Las Vegas Aces
Brionna Jones 1 Connecticut Sun
Jonquel Jones 1 Connecticut Sun
Sugar Rodgers 1 New York Liberty
Jantel Lavender 1 Los Angeles Sparks
Riquna Williams 1 Tulsa Shock
Renee Montgomery 1 Connecticut Sun
Candice Wiggins 1 Minnesota Lynx
Plenette Pierson 1 Detroit Shock

Franchises with the Most Sixth Woman Success

Franchise Awards
Las Vegas Aces (including San Antonio history) 5
Phoenix Mercury 3
Connecticut Sun 3
Chicago Sky 2
Los Angeles Sparks 1
New York Liberty 1
Tulsa Shock 1
Minnesota Lynx 1
Detroit Shock 1

Final Thoughts

The Sixth Woman of the Year award celebrates players who embrace one of basketball’s most demanding roles. Whether it was DeWanna Bonner redefining bench excellence with three consecutive awards, Dearica Hamby fueling Las Vegas’ rise to championship contention, or Allie Quigley changing games with elite shooting, these reserves demonstrated that impact isn’t determined by who starts the game—it’s determined by who changes it. (WNBA)