Chicago Sky's 'Big Mama Stef' Dolson Captures Olympic Gold

TOKYO — Chicago Sky forward Stefanie Dolson has always marched to the beat of her own drummer, but now she can check off another unique box on her basketball resume’.

Olympic gold medalist.

Dolson helped lead the United States to its first-ever gold medal in 3-on-3 basketball, an event that made its debut at the Tokyo Summer Games. The United States defeated Russia, 18-15, in Wednesday’s gold medal game as Dolson — along with teammates Allisha Gray, Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young used a last-second defensive gold to hold on for the victory.

The Americans reeled off six straight victories in group play to start their run for gold before dropping a 20-18 loss to Japan to finish out that segment of Olympic competition. But the U.S. team quickly regained its swagger, including on Wednesday when the Americans jumped out to a quick lead and then held on to capture the first gold medal in the event’s history.

“It’s always special to be the first of anything,” Dolson said in a postgame television interview. “Basketball runs deep in the USA blood. For us to have this accomplishment as well and hopefully start something is really special.”

Dolson, who played collegiately at Connecticut before joining the Sky, quickly became a favorite of Olympic announcers who referenced Dolson by her college nickname, “Big Mama Stef”.

Dolson, who also uses the nickname as her Instagram handle, told reporters that the use of the name by announcers can’t help but make her smile. But she said it also carries a bigger meaning, especially when it comes to taking on a leadership role with her team.

“I like to think I’m motherly,” Dolson said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “I like to take care of my teammates.”

And now, it appears, Dolson has the Golden touch in that department.

“It feels surreal,” Dolson told reporters after the victory. “In 10 years, we’ll look back and say ‘Damn, we did that.’ Hopefully we started something.”

She added: “Everyone knows us for 5-on-5 (basketball). I think we started something special with this as well.”