Born: 1972 (Compton, California)
Biography:
Lisa Deshaun Leslie is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and studio analyst. Born on July 7, 1972, in Compton, California, Leslie’s basketball career is a testament to her exceptional skill and perseverance. Over the course of her career, she left an indelible mark on the sport and blazed a trail for women in basketball.
Raised by her mother, Christine Lauren Leslie, who stood at an impressive 6 feet 3 inches tall, and her father, Walter Leslie, a former professional basketball player, Lisa inherited a strong athletic lineage. However, her parents separated when her mother was four months pregnant with her, leaving Christine to support Lisa and her two sisters, Dionne and Tiffany, as a single parent. Despite the challenging circumstances, Christine started her own truck driving business to provide for her children.
Basketball entered Lisa’s life during middle school when a classmate invited her to join the school team. On her first day of tryouts, the team was split into lefties and righties for layup drills. As the only lefty in the group, Lisa decided to become right-hand dominant to avoid standing alone. This decision ultimately worked to her advantage, as she developed ambidexterity, a valuable asset in her playing style.
In eighth grade, Lisa transferred to a junior high school without a girls’ basketball team and boldly joined a boys’ team instead. Her success and confidence in her playing abilities began to grow during this time, setting the stage for her future achievements.
Leslie’s high school years at Morningside were marked by widespread recognition and recruitment. Even before she entered high school, she received over a hundred college recruiting letters, including offers from numerous top Division I programs, a testament to her exceptional talent and potential.
Upon graduation from Morningside, Lisa accepted a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC). As a Trojan, she continued to excel on and off the court. Leslie became a four-time All-American, setting numerous school records and earning multiple accolades. Her performance and leadership helped steer the USC Trojans to the NCAA tournament four consecutive times, reaching the Elite Eight twice.
In 1997, Lisa Leslie became an integral part of the newly formed Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Selected as the number seven pick in the inaugural WNBA draft, she joined the Los Angeles Sparks. Over the course of her 11 seasons with the Sparks, Leslie solidified herself as one of the league’s most dominant players.
Throughout her impressive career, Leslie achieved numerous milestones and received accolades that cemented her legacy. She became the first player in WNBA history to dunk in a game, captivating audiences with her athleticism and skill. Leslie’s impact on the game extended beyond individual statistics and play. She was a generational talent and a trailblazer who helped popularize women’s basketball, paving the way for future generations of players.
Leslie’s contributions to the sport garnered recognition on a global scale. She proudly represented the United States on multiple occasions, playing for USA Basketball in international competitions. In her international career, she won four Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008) and two FIBA World Championships (1998, 2002), solidifying her status as one of the greatest players in the world.
Off the court, Lisa Leslie has also made significant contributions to society. As a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, she has been an influential figure in promoting gender equality throughout her career. By breaking barriers and elevating the status of women’s basketball, Leslie has inspired countless young athletes to harness their talent and pursue their dreams.
In 2009, after a highly successful career, Lisa Leslie announced her retirement from professional basketball. Her impact, however, continued to be felt within the sport. In 2011, she was rightfully voted by fans as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history, a testament to her lasting influence and lasting impact.
Lisa Leslie’s remarkable career and contributions to the sport of basketball did not go unnoticed. In 2015, she was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her place among the all-time greats. Her induction was a fitting recognition of her outstanding achievements and the countless barriers she shattered for women in sports.
Continuing her involvement in basketball, Lisa Leslie transitioned into coaching and broadcasting. Currently, she serves as the head coach for the Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league and works as a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts on Bally Sports Florida. Her expertise and insights enrich the sport she loves and inspire future generations of players.
Awards:
– Three-time WNBA MVP
– Four-time Olympic gold medal winner
– Two-time FIBA World Championship winner
– Two-time WNBA champion
– Eight-time WNBA All-Star
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame