Lisa Leslie
Full Name and Common Aliases
Lisa Ann Leslie is a renowned American former professional basketball player, businesswoman, and television sports analyst.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 7, 1972, in Detroit, Michigan. As of this writing, Lisa Leslie is alive.
Nationality and Profession(s)
American | Professional Basketball Player (1997-2009) | Businesswoman | Television Sports Analyst
Early Life and Background
Growing up in Inglewood, California, Lisa Leslie was an athletic child who found her passion for basketball at a young age. Her parents, Christine and John Leslie, encouraged her love for the sport by enrolling her in local youth leagues. Leslie's natural talent and dedication quickly made her stand out as one of the top players in her age group.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout her illustrious career, Lisa Leslie achieved numerous accolades that solidified her status as a basketball legend:
Four-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008)
Two-time FIBA World Cup champion (1998 and 2010) with the US National Team
Three-time WNBA MVP (2001, 2002, and 2005)
Eight-time WNBA All-Star
Four-time WNBA scoring championNotable Works or Actions
Leslie's on-court achievements are complemented by her impact off the court. She has been a vocal advocate for women's sports, education, and social justice causes:
Co-founded the Lisa Leslie Charitable Foundation, which supports youth development programs and scholarships
Served as a television analyst for ESPN's WNBA coverage, providing expert commentary on games and player performancesImpact and Legacy
Lisa Leslie's trailblazing career has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball. Her dominance on the court, combined with her commitment to empowering young women and girls, has made her an inspiration to generations of athletes:
Paved the way for future generations of female basketball players, including WNBA stars like Candace Parker and Maya Moore
* Advocated for greater representation and opportunities for women in sports media and leadership positions
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Lisa Leslie's quotes and opinions are often sought after due to her unique perspective as a pioneering figure in women's basketball. Her insightful commentary on the sport, its challenges, and its growth has made her a respected voice in the athletic community.
Quotes by Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie's insights on:
Until now, until I actually got into law class, I just never thought of it as being an interest for me, but it's really funny because now that I'm in law, I'm like 'Wow, I could be a lawyer.
I've grown so much since 1996. I think that was the turning point of when I started to go to church every Sunday and not just because you're supposed to. But because you enjoy going and listening to the Word and being excited about it.
There's a lot of women in the WNBA. There's a lot of women who could be here. To be voted by the fans says a lot - that people are aware of what's going on. I'm really thankful. I think they just really appreciate my talent so I'm definitely grateful.
Well, the first quality of being a good leader is you have to be able to follow. See, a good leader can't just be the leader all the time, I have to be able to follow.
When I watch kids play basketball, they don’t know how to think the game. They know what it should look like, but they don’t know why.
There’s a lot of women in the WNBA. There’s a lot of women who could be here. To be voted by the fans says a lot – that people are aware of what’s going on. I’m really thankful. I think they just really appreciate my talent so I’m definitely grateful.
I don’t think I would have been able to stick with it and been proud of who I am and be feminine out on the court. I think I would have folded to the peer pressure if I didn’t have my mom to encourage me to be me and be proud of how tall I am.
Right now I’m 185, which is really good for me yet very hard for me to maintain. My weight seems high for the average woman, but I’ve got big bones and I’m maintaining muscle.