On June 28, 2025, Washington Mystics guard Brittney Sykes received her long-awaited first All-Star selection, stepping in as a replacement for injured captain Caitlin Clark. This milestone comes after nine seasons of hard work, marking a significant moment in Sykes’ career and highlighting the impact of Brittney Sykes family support on her <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/wnba/”>WNBA journey.
Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Sykes has been a key contributor to the Mystics’ 2024 comeback campaign, known for her defensive intensity and relentless drive. Her rise to this recognition was shaped heavily by the dedication and encouragement of her family, whose sacrifices and love underpinned her steady growth as a player and a person.
Foundations of Brittney Sykes’ Early Life and Family Background
Brittney’s parents, Michael and Regina Sykes, played crucial roles in shaping her character and ambition. Growing up as the youngest of three children in a tight-knit family, Brittney experienced a household where encouragement blended with discipline. Her mother, Regina Sykes, is an operations coordinator at Great Oaks Legacy Charter School in Newark, supporting day-to-day school functions and student needs.
Michael Sykes, Brittney’s father, has been her greatest supporter both in person and online. A veteran of the U.S. Army who served at Fort Knox, Michael later contributed to his community through roles with the Newark Police Department and as a detention officer in Essex County. Today, he continues public service with the State of New Jersey while proudly cheering on his daughter from the sidelines.
Her Family’s Cultural and Community Roots
The Sykes family is deeply rooted in the African American community of Newark, New Jersey. Their cultural heritage and local ties have influenced Brittney’s values and commitment, fueling her passion on and off the basketball court. This connection provides added meaning to her achievements, reflecting more than just personal success but also communal pride.
Close Relationships with Siblings Remain Private
Although Brittney is known to have siblings, the specifics regarding her brothers remain private. Despite limited public knowledge on this front, it is clear she grew up surrounded by family support that contributed quietly but significantly to her growth.
The Dynamic Between Brittney Sykes and Her Father
Michael Sykes’ enthusiasm for Brittney’s career is unmistakable. He frequently attends her games, wearing her jersey and celebrating each moment loudly and proudly. After a recent Mystics game, he shared a photo of himself in her jersey at CareFirst Arena, accompanied by the caption,
Back in Washington to see my baby turn up!!!! Go, Brittany!!!
—Michael Sykes, Father
In response, Brittney humorously pointed out the misspelling of her name with:
That’s crazy, you helped create me and my name is spelled wrong.
—Brittney Sykes, WNBA Guard
Their relationship goes beyond playful teasing. When Brittney confided in her father about her LGBTQ+ identity, his reaction was both immediate and supportive. He said,
Would you think I’m lying if I said I already knew?
—Michael Sykes, Father
He reassured his daughter fully with:
You’re my daughter, you’re my only girl, you’re my baby. I don’t care who you love—you’re safe, you’re loved, you’re happy.
—Michael Sykes, Father
This pivotal exchange deepened their bond and demonstrated the unconditional love and acceptance that has supported Brittney throughout her personal and professional life.
The Supportive but Complex Bond with Her Mother
Brittney’s relationship with her mother, Regina, is built on resilience and mutual growth through challenges. Regina stood by her daughter during two ACL injuries, offering guidance through difficult rehabilitation periods. When Brittney faced a critical decision between returning to Syracuse University or declaring for the WNBA Draft, Regina encouraged her to stay for another year, emphasizing academics alongside athletics.
Brittney has acknowledged the initial tension between her early basketball ambitions and her mother’s preference for a more traditional career path. She once recalled,
I’d make my mom so mad because I’d be like, ‘I want to be a ball player,’ and she wanted, you know, a doctor or a lawyer,
—Brittney Sykes, WNBA Guard
and continued with a laugh,
And I was like, ‘Nah, I want to be a pro basketball player.’
—Brittney Sykes, WNBA Guard
Another significant challenge in their relationship was Brittney’s coming out to her mother, which she has described as one of the hardest moments in her life. Though this caused some strain, ongoing conversations have helped bridge gaps. Today, their connection is strong and warm. Regina is a constant source of support, someone who Brittney can reach out to at any time to share her thoughts and feelings.
Regina shared her feelings about Brittney’s 2023 move to the Washington Mystics, saying,
I am happy to see her happy.
—Regina Sykes, Operations Coordinator
This simple statement reflects the unconditional love and pride at the heart of their mother–daughter relationship.
The Lasting Impact of Family on Brittney Sykes’ Career
Brittney Sykes’ rise to WNBA prominence is as much about her skill as it is about the solid foundation built by her family. Michael’s constant encouragement, Regina’s steady guidance, and the nurturing environment with her siblings have contributed to both her growth as an athlete and her development as a confident individual.
The WNBA All-Star selection underscores not only Brittney’s talent but also the vital role the Sykes family has played in her journey. As Brittney embraces this new chapter, her achievements serve as a testament to the power of family support in realizing dreams and overcoming adversity.