Born: 1956 (Bethesda, Maryland)
Tara Heiss (born December 2, 1956) is an American women’s basketball player who is widely regarded as one of the best point guards in the history of US women’s basketball. Known for her exceptional skills and leadership on the court, Heiss had a successful career at both the collegiate and professional level. Her contributions to the game and her impact on women’s basketball have earned her a place in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame.
Heiss grew up in Bethesda, Maryland, and began playing basketball in the ninth grade. She quickly displayed her talent and passion for the game, eventually earning a spot on the varsity team at Walter Johnson High School. Her exceptional skills caught the attention of college recruiters, and she received offers from several universities. Ultimately, Heiss chose to attend the University of Maryland.
During her time at Maryland, Heiss made a lasting impact on the women’s basketball program. She became the first women’s basketball player at the university to score 1,000 points, solidifying her place in the team’s history. Her incredible performance on the court drew praise from her coach, Chris Weller, who described her as one of the best players he had ever seen.
In 1978, Heiss led Maryland to their first ACC women’s basketball tournament victory and was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. Her exceptional play continued in the 1978 AIAW National Large College Basketball Championship, where Maryland reached the championship game. Despite a valiant effort, they fell short to UCLA, but Heiss’s performance, scoring 21 points in the game, earned high praise from basketball legend Wilt Chamberlin.
Heiss’s talent extended beyond the college level. She represented the United States on the national stage and won a gold medal at the 1979 FIBA World Championship for Women as a member of the United States women’s national basketball team. She was also selected to be a part of the 1980 US Olympic women’s basketball team, but due to the United States’ boycott of the Moscow Olympics, she, along with other American athletes, was unable to compete.
Following her college career, Heiss played professionally for the Allentown Crestettes in the Amateur Athletic Union and the New Jersey Gems in the short-lived Women’s Professional Basketball League. Her skills and leadership continued to shine, and she made a significant impact on the professional level.
After retiring from professional basketball, Heiss remained involved in the game as an assistant coach at both Maryland and Towson University. Her extensive knowledge and experience allowed her to mentor and guide young players, passing on her love and passion for the sport. Alongside her coaching career, Heiss also worked for FedEx for twenty years.
In recognition of her exceptional contributions to women’s basketball, Heiss was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2003. She was also honored with inductions into the University of Maryland Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998 and the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. Her achievements and impact continue to inspire future generations of basketball players, and she remains an important figure in the history of women’s basketball.