PHOENIX — On Native American Heritage Day, former Arizona State and Phoenix Mercury guard Ryneldi Becenti appeared on Sesame Street to discuss her career and culture.
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MASHPEE 04/19/24 Ryneldi Becenti, center, huddles up the players from the GLAM, Global Local Athletic Movement, basketball clinic at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Government Center, during a basketball clinic.
Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times
Becenti is a women’s basketball pioneer in Arizona, hailing from the Navajo Nation and growing up playing the game throughout her childhood before attending school in the Valley.
A standout with the Sun Devils from 1991 to 1993, Becenti quickly became an emerging star. She recorded 396 assists in two seasons, the second-highest total in program history at the time.
In 1997, Becenti broke barriers by joining the Mercury and becoming the first Native American player in WNBA history.
MASHPEE 04/19/24 Ryneldi Becenti, center, lines up players for full court sprint races at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Government Center, during a basketball clinic.
Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times
On Sesame Street, she spoke about her roots and her WNBA experiences as she made history. Her journey highlighted how a childhood passion transformed into a breakthrough moment for future generations, especially as the league continues to evolve in a new era.
After her professional career, the former Mercury guard returned to her community, coaching youth players and mentoring Native athletes. She hopes her story will inspire others in her community to pursue similar paths.
Meet Ryneldi Becenti! She became the first Native American to play in the WNBA, as a guard for the @PhoenixMercury. Thank you for sharing your story with us as we celebrate #NativeAmericanHeritageDay! 💛💚 pic.twitter.com/UCbX0LrOFq
— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) November 28, 2025
By speaking to children about her journey, Becenti helps bridge generations and cultures, emphasizing why representation continues to matter today.
MASHPEE 04/19/24 WNBA player Ryneldi Becenti, at the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribal Government Center, teaching a basketball clinic for girls.
Steve Heaslip/Cape Cod Times
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
