Born: June 13, 1964 (Abbeville, Mississippi).
Biography:
Jennifer Grandmama Gillom, born on June 13, 1964, is an American former Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player who made significant contributions both on and off the court. Born in Abbeville, Mississippi, Gillom attended the University of Mississippi, where she played college basketball and further honed her skills. She later went on to have a successful professional career and became a trailblazer for women in sports.
Gillom’s basketball career took off when she represented the United States at the 1988 Summer Olympics, where she helped the team secure a gold medal in women’s basketball. Her performance at the Olympics showcased her exceptional talent and established her as a rising star in the sport.
In 1996, Gillom signed with the Phoenix Mercury, marking the beginning of her WNBA journey. Over the course of six seasons with the Mercury, she displayed her prowess on the court, earning accolades such as being named to the All-WNBA team in 1998. Additionally, Gillom won the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in her final season with the Mercury in 2003, highlighting her exceptional character and sportsmanship.
While Gillom’s playing career came to an end in 2003, her impact on women’s basketball continued. She transitioned into coaching, becoming the head coach of the Xavier College Preparatory High School basketball team in Phoenix, Arizona, in 2004. Her coaching abilities and dedication to the sport led her to join the Minnesota Lynx as an assistant coach in the 2008 season.
In June 2009, Gillom was named the head coach of the Minnesota Lynx, further solidifying her role as a leader in women’s basketball. She succeeded Don Zierden and aimed to build upon the team’s successes. Gillom’s coaching career showcased her ability to mentor and guide future generations of athletes.
Gillom’s impact and contributions to women’s basketball were recognized in 2009 when she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, Tennessee. This prestigious honor solidified her enduring legacy in the sport.
Through her incredible achievements and dedication to women’s basketball, Gillom has inspired generations of athletes and has paved the way for future women in sports. Her career exemplifies the power and strength of women, and her influence is felt both on and off the court.
Awards:
– Gold medal in women’s basketball at the 1988 Summer Olympics
– All-WNBA team in 1998
– Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award in 2003
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009