Cappie Pondexter was born on January 7, 1983 in Oceanside, California. She is the daughter of Vanessa and Leo Pondexter ans has one brother, Ronald Brown, and one sister, Latoya Pondexter.

Although born in California, Cappie was raised in Chicago.

High School
Cappie attended John Marshall High School, where she was named the 2001 National Player of the Year by the WBCA and Parade Magazine, and was elected as the 2001 Illinois Player of the Year by Gatorade and USA Today.

She was the first player in the state to twice be named Illinois Miss Basketball (2000, 2001, and during her four years, Marshall compiled a 116-8 record and earned three Chicago Public League titles, the 1998 Illinois state crown and a 1999 state runner-up finish.

College
Cappie attended Rutgers University, where she graduated with a degree in African studies.

She led the Scarlet Knights to a 97-22 record and back-to-back Big East Championships in 2005 and 2006.

WNBA
Cappie was selected 2nd overall in the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Phoenix Mercury. As a rookie, she was named to the western conference WNBA All-star team.

2006 WNBA All-star player
2007 WNBA All-star player
2007 WNBA Championship Winner with Phoenix Mercury
2007 WNBA Final MVP

European Leagues
Cappie has played for Turkey during the WNBA off-season since 2006.

2006-07 Turkish Presidents Cup Winner with Fenerbahçe Istanbul
2006-07 Turkish Championship Winner with Fenerbahçe Istanbul
2006-07 Turkish Cup Winner with Fenerbahçe Istanbul
2007-08 Turkish Presidents Cup Winner with Fenerbahçe Istanbul
2006-07 FIBA Euro All-star MVP
2007-08 Turkish Championship Winner with Fenerbahçe Istanbul