Dearica Hamby Sets the Tone: Sparks’ Vocal Leader Poised to Ignite 2025 Comeback Season
As the Los Angeles Sparks gear up for what they hope will be a season of redemption, all eyes are on veteran forward Dearica Hamby — the emotional anchor, vocal leader, and relentless competitor determined to steer this franchise back toward relevance. After a dismal 8-32 finish in 2024, the Sparks have undergone a major transformation, and Hamby’s presence is central to their hopes of a turnaround.
Hamby, a two-time WNBA Sixth Woman of the Year and two-time All-Star, has always been known for her toughness, consistency, and intensity on both ends of the floor. But beyond the stat sheet, it’s her leadership — especially in the locker room — that makes her the heartbeat of this team. Entering her 10th WNBA season, she’s made it clear: the Sparks are done being a bottom-feeder. They’re ready to compete.
“She’s our anchor,” newly hired head coach Lynne Roberts said during training camp. “Dearica brings a level of professionalism and fire that this team needs. She leads with her voice and with her work ethic — and our younger players are feeding off that.”
Roberts, who joins the Sparks after a successful collegiate stint at Utah, brings a new energy to the franchise, and Hamby has embraced the transition. While many expected a rebuilding year after Curt Miller’s departure, the addition of Roberts’ motion offense, coupled with a revamped roster, has sparked new optimism.
Hamby averaged 10.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game last season — impressive numbers considering the turmoil the Sparks faced. She played all 40 games, leading the league in minutes, and often did the dirty work: diving for loose balls, boxing out bigger opponents, and delivering timely buckets. In short, she did everything a leader should do.
Now with a stronger supporting cast, Hamby won’t need to carry the scoring load alone. The addition of Kelsey Plum, a dynamic scorer with championship pedigree, and a re-energized Odyssey Sims gives the Sparks one of the more experienced backcourts in the league. Add in young talents like Rickea Jackson — who’s poised for a breakout year — and rookies like Cam Brink and Sarah Ashlee Barker (if she makes the final cut), and suddenly, this team has depth, toughness, and upside.
Still, it’s Hamby who will set the tone.
“She’s the glue,” Sims said during media day. “When things get tough, we look to Dearica. She holds us accountable but always lifts us up.”
What makes Hamby’s leadership even more compelling is her resilience. From her high-profile departure from Las Vegas to navigating the challenges of being a mother in the WNBA, she has faced adversity head-on — and come out stronger. Now she’s using that experience to elevate a team that desperately needs a steadying hand.
Whether or not the Sparks contend for a playoff spot remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with Hamby leading the charge, this team won’t go down without a fight. Her voice is louder, her presence bigger, and her determination deeper than ever.
If 2025 truly is a comeback season for Los Angeles, it will start — and end — with Dearica Hamby.
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