Born: 1974 (Riceboro, Georgia)
Biography:
DeLisha Lachell Milton-Jones was born on September 11, 1974, in Riceboro, Georgia. She grew up in a close-knit community and attended Bradwell Institute in Hinesville, Georgia, where she first discovered her love for basketball. Milton-Jones quickly made a name for herself on the court, playing for the Bradwell Tigers and showcasing her immense talent.
After graduating from Bradwell in 1993, Milton-Jones received an athletic scholarship to the University of Florida in Gainesville. She joined the Florida Gators women’s basketball team under the guidance of head coach Carol Ross. Over the course of her college career from 1993 to 1997, Milton-Jones proved to be an invaluable asset to the team.
Milton-Jones led the Lady Gators to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and became a four-year letterman. Her senior season was particularly remarkable, as she was named a first-team All-American by the Associated Press, Kodak, and the Basketball Times. She also received the prestigious Wade Trophy and the Honda Sports Award for basketball, recognizing her as the best women’s basketball player in NCAA Division I.
In 1997, Milton-Jones had the opportunity to represent the United States at the World University Games held in Marsala, Sicily, Italy. The USA team dominated the competition, winning all six games and earning the gold medal.
After her successful college career, Milton-Jones began her professional journey in 1997 with the Portland Power, who selected her second overall in the American Basketball League (ABL) draft. Despite the dissolution of the ABL in 1998, Milton-Jones didn’t let this setback deter her. She entered the 1999 WNBA draft and was chosen as the fourth overall pick by the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the start of her seventeen-season WNBA career.
Throughout her WNBA career, Milton-Jones played for several teams, including the Los Angeles Sparks (1999–2004, 2008–2012), the Washington Mystics (2005–2007), the San Antonio Stars (2013), and the New York Liberty (2013–2014). She achieved remarkable success on the court, becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist in 2000 and 2008. In addition, she helped the Los Angeles Sparks secure two WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002.
Milton-Jones was a force to be reckoned with on the court, earning a reputation for her versatility and leadership. She was selected to the WNBA All-Star Game three times, in 2000, 2004, and 2007.
In her retirement from playing professional basketball, Milton-Jones took on a new role as the head coach of Old Dominion. Her passion for the game and her wealth of experience make her a valuable asset to the next generation of players. Milton-Jones continues to inspire others with her determination, perseverance, and commitment to the sport she loves.
Awards:
– Two-time Olympic gold medalist (2000, 2008)
– Two-time WNBA champion (2001, 2002)
– Three-time WNBA All-Star (2000, 2004, 2007)