Born: 1970 (Chicago, Illinois)
Yolanda Evette Griffith (born March 1, 1970) is an American professional basketball player, widely regarded as one of the greatest rebounders and defensive players in the history of women’s basketball. She has left an indelible mark on the sport, with a career that spanned both the American Basketball League (ABL) and the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Throughout her career, Griffith showcased her incredible athleticism, tenacity, and skill, earning numerous accolades and leaving a lasting legacy.
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Griffith attended George Washington Carver High School, where she began to display her talent on the basketball court. In her senior year, she was named in Parade Magazine’s All-American basketball team and also earned first team All-America honors in softball. These early achievements foreshadowed the remarkable career that lay ahead for Griffith.
She was offered a scholarship to play for the University of Iowa women’s basketball team, but her plans were abruptly altered when she gave birth to her daughter, Candace. Despite this setback, Griffith’s determination and passion for the game remained unwavering. She attended Palm Beach Junior College in Lake Worth, Florida, where she earned Junior College All-America honors in 1990-91. Griffith later transferred to Florida Atlantic University, a Division II school, where she graduated in 1993 and received the prestigious Kodak Division II Player of the Year honors. This recognition further solidified her position as one of the most talented players in the nation.
Throughout her college years, Griffith faced numerous challenges. As a single mother, she had to support herself and her daughter while pursuing her basketball dreams. To make ends meet, Griffith worked for a car repossession company, displaying the resilience and determination that would become hallmarks of her career.
In 1997, Griffith joined the American Basketball League (ABL) after playing professional basketball in Germany. She was selected as the number one pick overall by the Long Beach Stingrays in the ABL players draft. In her first and only season with the Stingrays, she led the team to the brink of the ABL title, culminating in a heart-wrenching loss to the defending champions, the Columbus Quest. During this season, Griffith’s exceptional defensive skills earned her the title of ABL Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a spot on the All-ABL first team.
When the Long Beach franchise folded after the 1997-98 season, Griffith returned to her hometown, Chicago, to play for the expansion team, the Chicago Condors. Unfortunately, the ABL folded on December 22, 1998, cutting short what could have been a remarkable journey for Griffith in the league. Nevertheless, her impact on the ABL was undeniable, as she consistently ranked among the league’s top performers in scoring, rebounding, assists, steals, and blocked shots.
Griffith’s illustrious career continued in the WNBA, where she showcased her prowess on the court for several teams, most notably the Sacramento Monarchs. The Monarchs selected her as the second overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft. During her time with the Monarchs, she became a vital part of the team’s success, leading them to their first WNBA championship in 2005. Griffith’s dominant performances earned her the prestigious honor of being named the WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player, underscoring her invaluable contributions on both ends of the court.
Her impact extended beyond individual accolades and team success. Griffith’s defensive prowess and resilience inspired a generation of players and solidified her place in women’s basketball history. In 2011, she was recognized by fans as one of the top 15 players in WNBA history, a testament to her enduring impact on the sport.
After retiring from professional basketball, Griffith embarked on a career in coaching. She served as an assistant coach at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is currently an assistant coach with the Boston College Eagles. Her experience, knowledge, and passion for the game continue to shape the next generation of basketball players.
In 2014, Griffith received one of the highest honors in basketball as she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame on her first year of eligibility. This recognition underscores her incredible contributions to the sport and solidifies her status as one of the all-time greats.
Yolanda Evette Griffith’s journey from humble beginnings to the pinnacle of women’s basketball is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and undeniable talent. Her impact on the sport and the lives of those she inspired transcends accolades and awards, leaving an indelible mark on women’s basketball and securing her place in history.