President Obama becomes first sitting president to attend WNBA game

U.S. President Barack Obama, his daughter Sasha, and Shelia Johnson, owner
of the Washington Mystics, attend a Women’s National Basketball Association
(WNBA) game between the Washington Mystics and the Tulsa Shock in
Washington on August 1, 2010. UPI/Joshua Roberts/Pool Photo via Newscom.

President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to attend a WNBA game when he sat courtside a Washington Mystics game on Sunday with his 8-year-old daughter Sasha and a friend of the first daughter. The youngsters wore the Mystics #20 jersey of guard Alana Beard. The Mystics (15-10) beat the Tulsa Shock (4-22) at the afternoon game in front of a crowd of 9,008 at the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C.

Mystics guard Marissa Coleman posted the first double-double of her career with 14 points (season high) and 10 rebounds (tied career high) in the game. Coleman, along with players from both teams, was excited to play when she found out that Obama was on his way to the game.

“It was pretty great getting to play in front of the president,” said Coleman. “When we found out, everybody was pretty excited. Not too many professional athletes get to meet the president. Getting to play in front of the president was really special.”

Forward Tiffany Jackson led the Shock with 14 points along with seven rebounds.

Just a few weeks ago, the president hosted the Phoenix Mercury at the White House to congratulate them and commemorate their 2009 championship season.

Former President Bill Clinton attend a New York Liberty game after he left office on July 2, 2001 along his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, when she was a New York senator.

• WNBA Photo Gallery of the President at the Mystics game.