Born: 1955 (Minter City, Mississippi)
Died: 2022
Biography:
Lusia Mae Harris (February 10, 1955 – January 18, 2022) was an American professional basketball player who became one of the pioneers of women’s basketball. Born and raised in Minter City, Mississippi, Harris’s talent and determination propelled her to great success both in college and on the international stage. Her contributions to the sport, as well as her impact on women’s athletics, solidify her place in basketball history.
Growing up in a sharecropper family, Harris was the fourth of five daughters and the tenth of eleven children. Her love for basketball was nurtured from an early age, with all of her brothers and one of her older sisters also playing the game. In high school, Harris honed her skills under the mentorship of coach Conway Stewart. Her talent was evident as she led her team to the state tournament and scored a school record 46 points in one game. Harris’s exceptional performance on the court earned her the Most Valuable Player award three years in a row, as well as a place on the state All-Star team.
After graduating from Amanda Elzy High School, Harris had planned to attend Alcorn State University. However, fate intervened when she was recruited by Melvin Hemphill to join Margaret Wade at Delta State University in Cleveland, Mississippi. Wade, a legendary coach, was restarting a collegiate women’s basketball team at Delta State, and she recognized Harris’s potential. Despite the absence of a women’s basketball team at Alcorn State, Harris’s talent was too remarkable to go unnoticed.
Harris’s collegiate career at Delta State proved to be exceptional. In her first year, the Lady Statesmen achieved a commendable 16-2 record. However, they fell short of qualifying for the national tournament. Determined to improve, Harris and her team returned the following season with a resounding success. In the 1974-1975 season, the Lady Statesmen reached the final of the national tournament, where they faced the Mighty Macs of Immaculata University. Immaculata had won the previous three consecutive AIAW championships, making them a formidable opponent. Undeterred, Harris delivered a remarkable performance in the final, scoring 32 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Her dominant play led Delta State to a thrilling 90-81 victory, securing their first-ever national championship.
Harris’s success at Delta State caught the attention of the basketball world. Her outstanding talent and achievements made her a prominent figure in women’s collegiate basketball, and she was pivotal in advancing the recognition and media coverage of the sport. The 1975 championship game, in which Harris played a starring role, was nationally televised, marking the first time a women’s basketball game had received such exposure on a major network. This watershed moment helped propel women’s basketball into the national spotlight.
Following her triumphant college career, Harris continued to leave an indelible mark on the sport. She represented the United States in international competitions, including the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada. The tournament marked the first-ever women’s basketball event in the Olympics. Harris played a pivotal role in the team’s success, helping them secure the silver medal. Her contributions to the national team further heightened her status as a trailblazer for women’s basketball.
In addition to her accomplishments on the court, Harris also played professional basketball. She joined the Houston Angels of the Women’s Professional Basketball League (WBL). Harris’s talent and influence were so significant that she became the first and only woman to be officially drafted by the National Basketball Association (NBA), a men’s professional basketball league. This milestone further solidified her status as a pioneer in the game.
Harris’s extraordinary career and lasting impact on women’s basketball earned her numerous accolades. She was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as well as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. These honors exemplified her remarkable contributions to the sport, paving the way for generations of female athletes to follow.
Lusia Harris Stewart’s legacy extends far beyond her statistics and achievements. Her journey from a small town in Mississippi to international recognition represents triumph over adversity and determination to succeed. Harris’s influence on women’s basketball cannot be overstated, as she shattered barriers and helped elevate the sport to new heights. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, reminding us of the power of passion, talent, and perseverance.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame