Dunkin’ Into The Careers Of The Greatest Women’s College Basketball Players
Women's college basketball has been a staple of collegiate sports for decades, and over the years, we've seen countless talented athletes grace the court. From dominant post players to sharpshooting guards, these women have left an indelible mark on the sport and set new standards of excellence for generations to come.
Here are some of the greatest women's college basketball players in history, from legendary pioneers to modern-day superstars; get ready to explore the incredible achievements and lasting legacies of these remarkable athletes.
Chamique Holdsclaw, University of Tennessee
Chamique Holdsclaw attended the University of Tennessee, where she played for the Lady Vols from 1995 to 1999. She was a standout player from the start and quickly became one of the most dominant forces in women's college basketball. Over the course of her career, Holdsclaw won numerous awards, including three consecutive Naismith College Player of the Year awards from 1996 to 1998.
She was not only an incredibly talented player but also an exceptional leader who knew how to motivate her teammates and bring out the best in them. Holdsclaw's leadership skills were particularly evident in her junior year when she led the Lady Vols to their sixth national championship.
Cheryl Miller, University of Southern California
Cheryl Miller attended the University of Southern California from 1982 to 1986. She was an instant star and quickly established herself as one of the most dominant forces in the game. Throughout her career, Miller won three consecutive Naismith College Player of the Year awards from 1984 to 1986.
One of the most creative aspects of Miller's college career was her ability to play multiple positions on the court. She was primarily a forward, but she also played point guard and even center at times. Her versatility made her a nightmare for opposing teams to defend against and allowed her to contribute in a variety of ways.
Lisa Leslie, University of Southern California
Lisa Leslie attended the University of Southern California from 1990 to 1994. She was a dominant force on the court from the moment she stepped onto it and quickly established herself as one of the best players in the game. Over the course of her college career, Leslie set numerous records, including being the first player in NCAA history to score 2,000 points and grab 1,000 rebounds.
One of the most famous aspects of Leslie's college career was her ability to dunk the basketball. She was one of the first female basketball players to dunk in a game and was a pioneer for women's basketball in this regard. Leslie's ability to dunk not only made her a highlight reel sensation but also helped to raise the profile of women's basketball and bring attention to the sport.
Maya Moore, University of Connecticut
Maya Moore was a four-time All-American at the University of Connecticut, where she won two national championships and was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
One of the most interesting aspects of Moore's college career was her versatility as a player. She was known for her scoring ability, but she also had a well-rounded game that included rebounding, passing, and defense. Moore was a triple threat on the court, and her versatility made her a nightmare for opposing teams to defend against.
Candace Parker, University of Tennessee
Candace Parker led the University of Tennessee to back-to-back national championships in 2007 and 2008 and was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year. During her time playing for UConn, she became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the team.
She was known for her clutch performances in big games and her ability to rise to the occasion when her team needed her most. Moore's poise and composure in high-pressure situations were a testament to her competitive spirit and her desire to win.
Breanna Stewart, University of Connecticut
Breanna Stewart won four national championships at the University of Connecticut, where she was a three-time Naismith College Player of the Year, a four-time NCAA champion, and a four-time Final Four Most Outstanding Player.
In college, Stewart was a versatile player, stepping into numerous roles on the court. Her team always knew they could count on her to step up in high-pressure situations.
Dawn Staley, University of Virginia
Dawn Staley was a standout point guard at the University of Virginia, where she was a three-time All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1991.
During Staley's college career, she showcased leadership on and off the court. She was not only an incredibly talented player but also an exceptional leader who knew how to motivate her teammates and bring out the best in them. Staley's leadership skills were particularly evident in her senior year when she led Virginia to its first-ever ACC championship.
Diana Taurasi, University of Connecticut
Diana Taurasi had a remarkable college basketball career at the University of Connecticut from 2000 to 2004. She quickly established herself as one of the best players in the game and became a key part of UConn's dominant women's basketball program.
During her time at UConn, Taurasi was named the Naismith College Player of the Year three times.
Sue Bird, University of Connecticut
Sue Bird was a standout player at the University of Connecticut, where she won two national championships and was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
Bird's college career showcased her ability to control the game with her passing. She was known for her exceptional court vision and her ability to create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Bird's passing skills were a key part of UConn's success during her college career and helped to establish her as one of the best point guards in the game.
Nancy Lieberman, Old Dominion University
Nancy Lieberman, aka "Lady Magic," was a trailblazer in women's basketball. She was a three-time All-American at Old Dominion University and went on to play professionally for numerous teams, including the men's team, the Harlem Globetrotters.
After retiring from playing, she became a successful head coach, assistant coach, and commentator.
Sheryl Swoopes, Texas Tech University
Sheryl Swoopes was a star player at Texas Tech University, where she won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1993.
Swoopes' college career was marked by her athleticism and her ability to dominate both ends of the court. She was a tenacious defender and a dominant scorer, and her all-around game was a key part of Texas Tech's success during her college career.
Seimone Augustus, Louisiana State University
Seimone Augustus was a force to be reckoned with at Louisiana State University, where she won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2005.
She was known for her scoring prowess and her ability to create her own shot and make the most of her opportunities on the court. Augustus' ability to score from anywhere on the court made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams and helped to establish her as one of the best scorers in the game.
Candice Wiggins, Stanford University
Candice Wiggins was a star player at Stanford University, where she led the Cardinal to two Final Four appearances and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2008.
Wiggins' college career was marked by her toughness and competitiveness. She was known for her tenacity on the court and her willingness to do whatever it took to win. Wiggins' competitive spirit and desire to succeed helped to establish her as one of the best players in the game and made her a fan favorite during her time at Stanford.
Ann Meyers Drysdale, University of California, Los Angeles
Ann Meyers Drysdale was a pioneer for women's basketball, becoming the first woman to receive a full scholarship to play college basketball at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Meyers Drysdale's college career was marked by her all-around game. She was a highly skilled player who could score, rebound, and play defense at a high level. Meyers Drysdale's versatility made her a valuable asset to her team and allowed her to contribute in a variety of ways.
Teresa Weatherspoon, Louisiana Tech University
Teresa Weatherspoon was a standout player at Louisiana Tech University, where she led the Lady Techsters to two national championships and won the Wade Trophy as the top player in the nation in 1988.
Weatherspoon's college career was marked by her ability to control the game as a point guard. She was a highly skilled player who could pass, score, and play defense at a high level. Weatherspoon's ability to run the offense and create scoring opportunities for her teammates made her a valuable asset to her team and helped to establish her as one of the best point guards in the game.
Jackie Stiles, Missouri State University
Jackie Stiles was a star player at Missouri State University, where she set multiple scoring records and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2001. She was the first NCAA Division 1 player to score 1,000 points in a season, going on to score 1,062 in her senior year.
Despite being only five foot and eight inches, Stiles was known for her incredible athleticism and agility on the court. She was able to outmaneuver and outsmart taller defenders, often using her quickness to get to the rim or create scoring opportunities for her teammates.
Brittney Griner, Baylor University
Brittney Griner was a dominant force at Baylor University, where she won the Naismith College Player of the Year award twice and led the Lady Bears to a national championship in 2012.
One of the aspects of Griner's college career was her dominance as a post. She was a 6'8" center who could score, rebound, and play defense at a high level. Griner's size, athleticism, and skillset made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams and helped to establish her as one of the most dominant players in the game.
Elena Delle Donne, University of Delaware
Elena Delle Donne was a star player at the University of Delaware, where she led the Blue Hens to the Sweet Sixteen in 2013 and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2015. She was a 6'5" forward who could play both inside and outside. Delle Donne's ability to score from anywhere on the court and defend multiple positions helped to establish her as one of the most well-rounded players in the game.
Delle Donne's college career was also marked by her dedication to her studies. She was a standout student-athlete who excelled both on the court and in the classroom. Delle Donne's commitment to her education helped to establish her as a role model and an inspiration to young athletes and students alike.
A'ja Wilson, University of South Carolina
A'ja Wilson was a standout player at the University of South Carolina, where she led the Gamecocks to a national championship in 2017 and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2018.
Aside from her stats on the court, Wilson was known for her philanthropic efforts and her commitment to using her platform as a basketball player to give back. Wilson's dedication to making a difference off the court helped to establish her as a role model and an inspiration to fans and aspiring athletes alike.
Tina Charles, University of Connecticut
Tina Charles was a star player at the University of Connecticut, where she won two national championships and was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year. She was a six-foot and four-inch center who could score, rebound, and play defense at a high level.
But it was her dedication to the game that really stood out. She was known for her relentless training regimen and her commitment to always improving her game.
Kelsey Plum, University of Washington
Kelsey Plum was a standout player at the University of Washington, where she set the NCAA Division I scoring record in 2017 and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2017.
She was also known for her creativity on the court. Plum was able to make plays and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Her creativity and ability to think outside the box helped to establish her as one of the most dynamic and entertaining players in the game.
Courtney Paris, University of Oklahoma
Courtney Paris was a dominant force at the University of Oklahoma, where she set the NCAA record for most consecutive double-doubles and was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
Paris was known for her work inside the paint, her rebounding, and her control fo the board, making her a standout player during her collegiate years.
Nneka Ogwumike, Stanford University
Nneka Ogwumike was a dominant force at Stanford University, where she won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2014 and led the Cardinal to a national championship in 2010. After graduation, she has had a successful career in the WNBA, winning a championship with the Los Angeles Sparks and being named to six All-Star teams.
Ogwumike is also an advocate for social justice and was elected as the first president of the WNBA Players Association in 2016. She also serves as a commentator for basketball games and hosts her own podcast.
Tina Thompson, University of Southern California
Tina Thompson was a standout player at the University of Southern California, where she won two national championships and was a two-time Naismith College Player of the Year.
She was known for her clutch performances in big games and was a key part of USC's success during her college career.
Tamika Catchings, University of Tennessee
Tamika Catchings was a star player at the University of Tennessee, where she won a national championship and was a four-time All-American.
She was known for her ability to anticipate the moves of her opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. Catchings' defensive prowess was highlighted by her record-setting 408 career steals, which is still the SEC's all-time record.
Skylar Diggins-Smith, University of Notre Dame
Skylar Diggins-Smith was a standout player at the University of Notre Dame, where she led the Fighting Irish to three Final Four appearances and was a two-time first-team All-American.
She was a five-foot and nine-inch guard who could play multiple positions, making her a valuable asset to her team. Diggins-Smith's ability to score, rebound, and defend at a high level helped to establish her as one of the most well-rounded players in the game.
Alana Beard, Duke University
Alana Beard was a dominant force at Duke University, where she won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 2004 and led the Blue Devils to three Final Four appearances.
She was known for her ability to lock down opponents and disrupt their offensive flow. Beard's defensive prowess was highlighted by her ACC record of 407 career steals, which is still the highest in conference history.
Kara Wolters, University of Connecticut
Standing at six feet and seven inches, Kara Wolters was a standout player at the University of Connecticut, where she won a national championship and was a two-time first-team All-American.
As one of the tallest players in the game, Wolters' size and strength made her a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Wolters' ability to score in the paint and dominate the boards helped to establish her as one of the best post players on the court.
Cappie Pondexter, Rutgers University
Cappie Pondexter had a successful college basketball career that spanned four seasons from 2002 to 2006. She played for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights and was a key player on the team.
During her time at Rutgers, Pondexter helped lead the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances and a WNIT championship in 2004. She was named the Big East Player of the Year in 2005 and was a consensus All-American in 2006.
Swin Cash, University of Connecticut
Swin Cash had an outstanding college basketball career at the University of Connecticut, where she played from 1998 to 2002. During her four years with the Huskies, she helped lead the team to two NCAA championships in 2000 and 2002.
Cash was also named the Final Four Most Outstanding Player in both championship runs, an impressive feat that only a handful of players have achieved. She was a dominant force on the court and was recognized as one of the best players in the nation during her college career.
