Born: 1959 (Fort Benton, Montana)
Denise Curry (born August 22, 1959) is an American former basketball player and college and professional basketball coach. She was inducted in the inaugural class at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.
Born in Fort Benton, Montana, Curry moved to Davis, California by the time she was in high school. She graduated from Davis Senior High School.
Curry’s college playing career was highlighted by leading UCLA to the AIAW National Championship in 1978. She was named All-America three times (1979, 1980, 1981) and set fourteen school records. She was also the all-time leading scorer (3,198 points) and rebounder (1,310 points) for UCLA. She scored in double figures in every one of the 130 games she played for UCLA. Her scoring average was an impressive 24.6 points per game. As of 2008, she still held the top record in 10 categories for UCLA.
Curry was named MVP of the Western Collegiate Athletic Conference three times and UCLA All-University Athlete of the Year in 1981. In 1981, she was honored as the USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year.
Curry’s success extended beyond college basketball. She represented the US national team in various competitions and won several gold medals. In the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, she won a gold medal. She also won gold medals at the Pan American Games in 1983 and the World Championships in 1979. Additionally, she won silver medals at the World Championships in 1983, World University Games in 1981, and Pan American Games in 1979.
Curry’s contributions to the sport of basketball, both on and off the court, have made her an influential figure. Her achievements as a player and a coach have inspired many aspiring basketball players, especially young women, to pursue their dreams in the sport. She has played a significant role in the advancement of women’s basketball and has become an iconic figure in women’s sports history.
Today, Denise Curry continues to be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players of her time. Her accomplishments and the barriers she broke down have left a lasting impact on the game. She remains an inspiration to future generations of athletes, embodying the values of dedication, perseverance, and excellence.
Awards:
– Induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.