Born: November 15, 1935 (Macon County, Tennessee)
Died: April 13, 2016
Biography:
Nera D. White (November 15, 1935 – April 13, 2016) was an American basketball player who is considered one of the greatest female players in the history of the sport. Born in Macon County, Tennessee, Nera grew up in a family that valued education and sports. Her father, Horace White, was a teacher, coach, and farmer, while her mother, Lois Birdean, supported her husband and children in all their endeavors.
Nera attended the George Peabody College for Teachers (now part of Vanderbilt University), where she pursued a degree in education. Despite being a talented athlete, Peabody did not have a women’s basketball team at the time, so Nera joined the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team in Nashville sponsored by Nashville Business College. This decision would prove pivotal in her basketball career.
Throughout her time playing for Nashville Business College, Nera achieved remarkable success and solidified her position as one of the all-time basketball greats. She led her team to a remarkable ten AAU national championships and was named the Most Valuable Player of the AAU National Tournament nine times. Her dominance on the court earned her the title of AAU All-American for 15 consecutive years, from 1955 to 1969.
Nera’s skills and impact on the game were unparalleled. She was widely acknowledged as the greatest woman ever to play basketball, and her talent was recognized by coaches and players alike. In fact, Harley Redin, the head coach of the dominant Wayland Baptist Flying Queens, referred to Nera as the greatest woman basketball player in history in 1966. Sue Gunter, a Hall of Fame player and coach, echoed this sentiment, proclaiming Nera as the best of the best. Gunter, who had coached two Olympic teams and seen the best players in the world, declared that Nera White was the best of them all.
While Nera’s achievements on the basketball court are legendary, her talents extended beyond the hardwood. She was also an outstanding softball player, earning the recognition of being named All-World in 1959 and 1965 for the ASA Fast Pitch softball team. Nera played multiple positions, including centerfield, shortstop, and pitcher, showcasing her versatility and athleticism. Her speed was also remarkable, as she became the first woman to ever circle the bases in just ten seconds.
In 1957, Nera led the United States national women’s basketball team to victory in the FIBA World Championship. Her leadership and skills were instrumental in securing the gold medal for her country, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greats in the sport.
Despite her immense talent and undeniable impact on women’s sports, Nera played at a time when there were no major professional women’s basketball leagues in the United States. Despite this setback, she continued to inspire and pave the way for future generations of female athletes.
Nera’s extraordinary contributions to the game of basketball were recognized with various accolades. She was inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. These honors further validated Nera’s status as one of the greatest female basketball players in history and solidified her place in the annals of women’s sports.
Nera White’s legacy extends beyond the basketball court. Her dedication, skill, and impact on the game opened doors for future generations of women athletes. Her remarkable success serves as an inspiration to all those who strive to achieve greatness and make a difference in the world of sports.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame