Born: 1960 (East Chicago, Indiana)
Biography:
LaTaunya Pollard Romanazzi (born 1960) is a former college basketball player who made a significant impact on the sport during the 1980s. With her remarkable talent and skills, she left an indelible mark on women’s basketball history.
LaTaunya Pollard was born on March 26, 1960, in East Chicago, Indiana. Growing up in a basketball-loving state, Pollard found herself drawn to the game from a young age. In eighth grade, she tried out for her high school basketball team and made the cut. However, due to age restrictions, she had to wait a year before she could officially join the team. Despite this setback, Pollard’s determination and passion for the sport only grew stronger.
In her senior year at East Chicago Roosevelt High School, Pollard’s talent shone brightly as she was awarded the prestigious title of 1979 Indiana Miss Basketball. Throughout her high school career, she amassed an impressive 1,739 points in 93 games. Even after graduating, her achievements would continue to resonate within Indiana’s basketball community, as she ranked third in the state for the most points scored by a girls’ basketball player in 1985.
In 1979, Pollard embarked on her college basketball journey at Long Beach State. Her impact was felt immediately as she played a crucial role in the team’s success during the 1980 AIAW National Division I Basketball Championship, where they reached the quarterfinals. The following year, Pollard helped lead her team to the quarterfinals once again in the 1981 AIAW Division I event.
As part of the NCAA, Pollard’s talents truly shone. In 1982, she helped guide her team to victory in the Western Collegiate Athletic Association conference. That same year, Pollard reached a significant milestone, becoming one of the few women’s basketball players to score over 2,000 career points. Her relentless drive and skill on the court propelled her team to the regional finals of the 1983 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Throughout her time at Long Beach, Pollard consistently displayed her dominance, leading the team in points four times and blocks three times. By the end of her college career in 1983, Pollard had played in 128 games and recorded an impressive 3,001 points. Her exceptional achievements earned her recognition as the recipient of the 1983 Wade Trophy, solidifying her status as one of the most talented players in the country.
Following her college career, Pollard’s pursuit of basketball continued overseas. From the early 1980s to the 1990s, she played professionally in Europe, showcasing her skills on an international level. Her time abroad was marked by success and further cemented Pollard’s reputation as a formidable player.
LaTaunya Pollard’s outstanding contributions to the sport of women’s basketball did not go unnoticed. In 2001, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her immense impact on the sport. Four years later, in 2005, the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame also celebrated her achievements, paying tribute to her legacy as an extraordinary athlete.
Awards:
– 1983 Wade Trophy
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2001
– Inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005