Michael Voepel Apr 17, 2026, 04:45 PM ET Close Michael Voepel is a senior writer who covers the WNBA, women's college basketball and other college sports. Voepel began covering women's basketball in 1984, and has been with ESPN since 1996. Retired sports stars Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe announced Friday on social media that, after a decade together, they are no longer in a relationship. "There really is no smooth or easy way to share this news," they wrote on an Instagram post. "After a lot of thought, we've made the decision to separate as a couple. "This hasn't been an easy decision, but it's one we've made together, with so much love, respect, and care for each other." Bird, 45, won four WNBA titles in her 19 seasons in the league, all with the Seattle Storm. She also won five Olympic gold medals with the U.S. national team. The former UConn star was the No. 1 pick in the 2002 WNBA draft after winning two NCAA titles with the Huskies.…