Introduction
Basketball has always been known as a men’s sport. However, many women paved their way to the top, showing exceptional skills, strength, and determination. Today, we will talk about one such woman, Lusia Harris, who is considered the unsung heroine of women’s basketball history.
Lusia Harris was an American basketball player who played a pivotal role in promoting women’s basketball. She was a three-time All-American player and a member of the United States women’s basketball team. Lusia was the first woman to be drafted by an NBA team and played for the Houston Mavericks in 1977. Despite all her achievements, Lusia Harris remained an unsung hero in women’s basketball history.
In this article, we will take a walk down memory lane and talk about the life, struggles, and achievements of Lusia Harris, the unsung heroine of women’s basketball history.
Section 1: Early Life
Lusia Harris was born on February 10, 1955, in Minter City, Mississippi. She was one of eleven children in her family, and her parents were sharecroppers. Growing up, Lusia was passionate about basketball and played with her brothers in the backyard of their home.
Lusia’s parents couldn’t afford to buy her a basketball, so she used a homemade ball made of rags. Despite all the hardships, Lusia’s love for basketball kept her motivated, and she continued to play the game.
Section 2: High School Career
Lusia Harris started her high school career at Leflore County High School in Mississippi. In her junior year, she transferred to Delta State University High School, where she met Margaret Wade, her coach.
Margaret Wade recognized Lusia’s talent and encouraged her to pursue basketball as a career. Lusia was an exceptional basketball player in high school and led her team to State Championships three times.
Section 3: College Career
After finishing high school, Lusia Harris enrolled at Delta State University, where she continued to play basketball. She was part of the Delta State Lady Statesmen, and her skills on the court were second to none.
During her college career, Lusia led her team to three AIAW National Championships. She was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National Championship game for two years consecutively.
Section 4: International Career
In 1975, Lusia Harris was selected to represent the United States women’s basketball team at the World University Games. The team won the gold medal at the event, and Lusia’s outstanding performance earned her a spot in the United States Olympic team.
In 1976, Lusia Harris represented the United States at the Montreal Olympics, where the team won a silver medal. Lusia became the first African American woman to represent the United States in Olympic basketball.
Section 5: Professional Career – Houston Mavericks
In 1977, Lusia Harris was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz as the seventh-round pick of the NBA Draft. However, she declined the offer as it was a ceremonial pick and didn’t have a real chance of playing in the NBA.
Later, she was offered a contract by the Houston Mavericks, a men’s professional basketball team of the American Basketball Association (ABA). Lusia Harris became the first woman to sign a contract and play for a men’s professional basketball team.
During her career with the Houston Mavericks, Lusia played in nine games and scored a total of 10 points. She retired from the sport in 1981.
Section 6: Awards and Honors
Lusia Harris’s outstanding basketball career earned her numerous awards and honors. She was a three-time All-American player, three-time AIAW national champion, and two-time MVP of the National Championship game. She was also inducted into the Delta State University Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Section 7: Lusia Harris’s Legacy
Lusia Harris’s legacy continues to inspire young girls to pursue basketball as a career. She paved the way for women’s basketball and proved that women can achieve greatness in sports.
Lusia’s dedication to basketball and her outstanding achievements are a testament to her hard work and determination. She will always be remembered as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
Section 8: FAQs
Q1. Who is Lusia Harris?
Lusia Harris was an American basketball player who played a pivotal role in promoting women’s basketball. She was a three-time All-American player and a member of the United States women’s basketball team. Lusia was the first woman to be drafted by an NBA team and played for the Houston Mavericks in 1977.
Q2. What was Lusia Harris’ early life like?
Lusia Harris was born on February 10, 1955, in Minter City, Mississippi. She was one of eleven children in her family, and her parents were sharecroppers. Despite all the hardships, Lusia’s love for basketball kept her motivated, and she continued to play the game.
Q3. What were Lusia Harris’ achievements in college?
During her college career, Lusia led her team to three AIAW National Championships. She was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the National Championship game for two years consecutively.
Q4. What was Lusia Harris’ role in the United States Olympic team?
Lusia Harris represented the United States at the Montreal Olympics in 1976, where the team won a silver medal. Lusia became the first African American woman to represent the United States in Olympic basketball.
Q5. Which professional basketball team did Lusia Harris play for?
Lusia Harris played for the Houston Mavericks, a men’s professional basketball team of the American Basketball Association (ABA). She became the first woman to sign a contract and play for a men’s professional basketball team.
Q6. What awards and honors did Lusia Harris receive?
Lusia Harris was a three-time All-American player, three-time AIAW national champion, and two-time MVP of the National Championship game. She was also inducted into the Delta State University Hall of Fame, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Q7. What is Lusia Harris’ legacy?
Lusia Harris’ legacy continues to inspire young girls to pursue basketball as a career. She paved the way for women’s basketball and proved that women can achieve greatness in sports.
Conclusion
Lusia Harris’s life journey is one that inspires us to work hard towards our dreams relentlessly. She broke barriers, crossed borders, and showed the world that women are just as capable of achieving greatness in sports as men are.
Lusia Harris is a true unsung heroine of women’s basketball history, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations of basketball players to come. Let us honor her by working towards creating a more inclusive and equal world for women in sports.