Born: 1981 (Albury, New South Wales)
Biography:
Lauren Elizabeth Jackson AO (born 11 May 1981) is an Australian professional basketball player. Born in Albury, New South Wales, Jackson’s basketball career was influenced by her parents, who were both national basketball team players. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Jackson was awarded a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) in 1997, at the age of 16.
In 1998, Jackson led the AIS team to victory in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) championship. This early success showcased her potential and set the stage for an illustrious career. At the age of 18, she joined the Canberra Capitals in 1999, where she would go on to play off and on until 2006, capturing four more WNBL championships. Jackson’s dominance and skill on the court earned her recognition and respect from fans and players alike.
A fascinating aspect of Jackson’s career was her ability to seamlessly transition between international and domestic play. During the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) offseason, Jackson played for the Canberra Capitals from 2010 to 2016. This unique arrangement allowed her to continue her WNBA journey while contributing to the success of her hometown team.
Internationally, Jackson’s impact was felt on the Australian Women’s National Basketball Team, also known as The Opals. At just 14 years old, she made an impressive debut, earning a spot on the Australian under-20 team. Two years later, at the age of 16, she was called up to represent Australia in the Olympic Games, solidifying her status as a rising star.
Over the course of her career, Jackson participated in three Olympic Games, winning three silver medals (2000, 2004, 2008) and one bronze medal (2012). She proudly captained the Australian team in the 2008 Summer Olympics, showcasing her leadership qualities and dedication to her country.
Continuing her international success, Jackson was a vital member of the Australian Senior Women’s Team that achieved remarkable victories. She contributed to the team’s silver medal finish at the 2002 FIBA World Championship for Women in China, captained the team to a gold medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, and led the squad to another gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Championship for Women in Brazil.
In 2001, Jackson entered the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft and was selected by the Seattle Storm. As a franchise player, she quickly became an integral part of the team’s success. With the Storm, Jackson won two WNBA championships, in 2004 and 2010. Her remarkable contributions to the game were recognized when she was awarded the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award in 2010.
Jackson’s impact on the sport extends beyond league play. She ranks among the top WNBA players in various statistical categories, including games played, minutes played, field goals, three-point shots, and turnover percentage. Her remarkable skills and dedication to the game continue to inspire future generations of basketball players around the world.
Throughout her career, Jackson also ventured into the international basketball scene, playing for esteemed clubs such as WBC Spartak Moscow in Russia, Ros Casares Valencia in Spain, and the Women’s Korean Basketball League. In the Women’s Korean Basketball League, she rose to prominence by setting a league record with 56 points in a single game and earning the league’s Most Valuable Player title. She also displayed her talent in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association.
Beyond her on-court accomplishments, Jackson has been pursuing her education at Macquarie University, where she is majoring in gender studies. Her commitment to expanding her knowledge and understanding of important social issues showcases her passion for creating positive change both on and off the court.
Lauren Jackson announced her retirement from basketball on 31 March 2016 due to a persistent knee injury that had plagued her for some time. Despite her retirement, her impact on the sport and her contributions to women’s basketball cannot be overstated. In recognition of her remarkable career, Jackson was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021.
Awards:
– Two-time WNBA Champion (2004, 2010)
– WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award (2010)
– Inductee, Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2020)
– Inductee, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2021)