Born: December 15, 1928 (Des Arc, Arkansas)
Died: February 16, 2001
Biography:
Lurlyne Ann Greer (later Lurlyne Greer Mealhouse and Lurlyne Greer Rogers) was an American basketball player who left an indelible mark on the sport during the pre-professional era of women’s basketball in the mid-1940s to mid-1950s. Born on December 15, 1928, in Des Arc, Arkansas, Greer’s passion for basketball set her on a remarkable journey that showcased her exceptional skills and earned her numerous accolades.
Greer’s career began in the AAU All-American league, where she played from 1947 to 1954. She first played for Cook’s Goldblumes in the 1948-1949 season before joining team Hanes Hosiery in 1951-1952. It was during this season that she made history by scoring forty-one points in a single game, setting an AAU tournament record. Her team-mates affectionately referred to her as the Rock, a testament to her unwavering determination and strength on the court. Virgil Yow, the coach of Hanes Hosiery, hailed Greer as a player who played a pivotal role in making the team great.
Greer’s exceptional performances did not go unnoticed. In 1952, she received the prestigious Lewis E. Teague Memorial Trophy from the Carolinas AAU and was voted the Most Valuable Player at the AAU National Championships in 1952, 1953, and 1954. Her skill and leadership garnered her recognition as one of the finest players in women’s basketball during that era.
In 1955, Greer had the honor of captaining the US women’s basketball team at the Mexico City Pan American Games, where she led her team to a gold medal victory. This marked the first time that women’s basketball was included in the Pan American Games, making the achievement even more significant. Throughout the tournament, Greer showcased her prowess on the court, averaging an impressive 18.3 points per game. Notably, she set records for the most points in a single game and in the entire tournament. Her remarkable performances and leadership skills solidified her status as one of the best players of her generation.
Following her successful basketball career, Greer embarked on a new chapter of her life. She moved to Philadelphia and learned how to run a cemetery business. In the early 1960s, she met and married Frank W. Rogers, and together they developed a cemetery as a retirement and vacation area in Heber Springs, Arkansas. Greer and Rogers often welcomed old AAU teammates to their premises, fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendship among former players.
Unfortunately, Greer’s life was cut short due to health issues. As a habitual smoker, she tragically succumbed to pulmonary malignancy on February 16, 2001. Her legacy, however, lives on in the annals of women’s basketball.
Greer’s exceptional contributions to the sport were duly recognized. In 1967, she was elected into the first class of women basketball honorees in the Helm’s Hall, and in 2004, she was posthumously inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. These well-deserved recognitions solidify Greer’s status as a pioneer and an influential figure in women’s basketball history.
Awards:
– Lewis E. Teague Memorial Trophy from the Carolinas AAU
– Most Valuable Player at the AAU National Championships in 1952, 1953, and 1954
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004.