Born: 1912 (Cleveland, Mississippi)
Died: 1995
Biography:
Margaret Wade, born Lily Margaret Wade on December 30, 1912, in Cleveland, Mississippi, was an influential American basketball player and coach. She left an indelible mark on the game and was recognized for her significant contributions to women’s basketball. Wade’s trailblazing career spanned both on the court and on the sidelines, cementing her legacy as a pioneering figure in women’s sports.
Raised in Cleveland, Wade emerged as a standout athlete from an early age. She honed her skills as a forward on the Cleveland High School girls basketball team. In 1928 and 1929, Wade’s talent was acknowledged as she earned a spot on the All-Conference team. Her exceptional performance set the stage for her future achievements and laid the foundation for her basketball career.
Wade continued her basketball journey at Delta State University from 1930 to 1932. In her second season, she assumed the role of team captain and received All-Conference honors. Demonstrating exceptional leadership and skill, Wade’s junior year saw her recognized as the team’s most valuable player. Unfortunately, in what many consider a backward decision, the school discontinued the women’s basketball program due to its perceived strenuous nature. This decision left Wade disheartened, a sentiment shared by her teammates. To symbolize their disappointment, they collectively chose to burn their uniforms, leaving a lasting statement of their dedication to the sport.
Undeterred by the setback, Wade joined the Mississippi Tupelo Redwings, an AAU team, for two years. Displaying her exceptional talent, she captained the team and played a pivotal role in leading them to the Southern Championship. Sadly, Wade’s basketball playing career was prematurely cut short by a knee injury. However, this setback only propelled her towards a new path in basketball, one that would have an enduring impact.
Wade embarked on her coaching career, shaping the lives of young athletes and inspiring generations to come. She began coaching at Marietta High School in Marietta, Mississippi, in 1933. Her first year as coach saw the team achieve an impressive record of 12-2. Wade’s passion and expertise led her to coach at Belden High School, where her team achieved an 11-3 record.
However, it was her tenure at Cleveland High School, spanning from 1935 to 1954, that showcased Wade’s exceptional coaching abilities. Her teams amassed an outstanding record of 453-89-6. Under her guidance, they consistently won the Bolivar County Championships and secured a place in the North Mississippi tournament for fourteen out of the last fifteen years. Wade’s teams also made a mark on the state championships, clinching second place for three consecutive years.
Not only did Wade excel in coaching basketball, but she also led the girls’ track team to consecutive state championships in 1958 and 1959. Her ability to nurture and develop athletes extended beyond the basketball court, further solidifying her impact on women’s sports.
In 1973, when Delta State University revived its women’s basketball program, Wade seized the opportunity to return to coaching. Her leadership and expertise resulted in three consecutive national championships at the AIAW women’s basketball tournament in 1975, 1976, and 1977. These victories coincided with an outstanding 51-game winning streak, further establishing Wade’s legacy as a remarkable coach.
During her time at Delta State, Wade had the privilege of coaching Lusia Harris-Stewart, an exceptional player who would later be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Wade’s mentorship and guidance propelled Harris-Stewart to reach new heights in the game, underlining Wade’s role as a transformative figure in women’s basketball.
Wade’s impact and contributions did not go unrecognized. In 1985, she was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame, and in 1999, she was honored with induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, the top women’s collegiate player is now awarded the Wade Trophy, a fitting testament to her influence and legacy in the sport.
Margaret Wade passed away on February 16, 1995, leaving behind a profound legacy as a player, coach, and trailblazer in women’s basketball. Her remarkable achievements, coupled with her dedication and passion for the game, continue to inspire generations of athletes. In 2008, a Mississippi Historical Marker was unveiled at Cleveland High School, paying tribute to the extraordinary life and career of Margaret Wade.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999
– Inducted into the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1992
– Enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1985