Born: 1956 (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
Biography:
Carol Ann Blazejowski (born September 29, 1956) is an American retired professional women’s basketball player and the former president and General Manager of the New York Liberty of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Blazejowski was inducted in the inaugural class at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, Blazejowski is the daughter of Leon and Grace (John) Blazejowski. She grew up in a supportive and loving family in Nutley, New Jersey, where she still resides. Blazejowski’s love for basketball developed at a young age. In high school, she didn’t begin serious competition until her senior year at Cranford High School in Cranford, New Jersey. However, she quickly rose to prominence with her exceptional skills and dedication to the game.
Blazejowski’s passion for basketball led her to Montclair State College in Montclair, New Jersey, where she continued to excel on the court. Standing at 5-foot-10 (1.78 m), she played as a forward and became a three-time All-American from 1976 through 1978. In 1978, Blazejowski won the inaugural Wade Trophy, recognizing her as the nation’s finest collegiate woman player. She dominated the game with her scoring ability, leading the nation in scoring with an impressive average of 33.5 points per game in 1976/77 and 38.6 points per game in 1977/78. Her scoring prowess and electrifying playing style earned her the nickname The Blaze.
Blazejowski’s most memorable performance came in a game against Queens College at Madison Square Garden, where she set a record for either sex with 52 points. Sports Illustrated hailed her as the most relentlessly exciting performer in the history of women’s basketball. Her style and skills were truly awe-inspiring, captivating audiences with her unstoppable scoring ability.
After her illustrious college career, Blazejowski continued to make her mark in women’s basketball. She played two seasons of AAU basketball with the Allentown, Pennsylvania, Crestettes, where she consistently scored over 40 points per game. She led the team to the semifinals both years, and once to a second-place finish. Blazejowski’s talent and leadership were recognized on an international level as well. She was the leading scorer on the national team that won the 1979 world championship.
Blazejowski’s dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal were dashed when the United States boycotted the 1980 Summer Olympics. She had been chosen for the U.S. Olympic team, and the boycott was a devastating blow to her aspirations. Despite this setback, Blazejowski’s impact on women’s basketball cannot be understated.
After retiring from playing, Blazejowski transitioned to a successful career off the court. She served as the president and General Manager of the New York Liberty in the WNBA, contributing to the growth and development of women’s professional basketball. Her knowledge and experience have been instrumental in shaping the league and providing opportunities for future generations of female athletes.
Throughout her life, Blazejowski has been a trailblazer not only in the world of sports but also as an openly gay woman. She has embraced her identity and used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in sports.
As one of the pioneers of women’s basketball, Blazejowski’s influence on the sport and society as a whole is immeasurable. Her remarkable achievements on and off the court have paved the way for future generations of female athletes and continue to inspire countless individuals. Carol Blazejowski’s legacy in women’s history and her contributions to the game of basketball will forever be remembered.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.