Rebecca Lobo is a name synonymous with women’s basketball excellence. From her standout college career at the University of Connecticut (UConn) to her role as a founding player in the WNBA and now a prominent ESPN analyst, Lobo’s journey is one of inspiration and impact. However, beyond her achievements on the court, her family—particularly her siblings—played a significant role in shaping her life and career. Siblings Rebecca is the youngest of three children, growing up alongside her older brother, Jason Lobo, and older sister, Rachel Lobo, in Southwick, Massachusetts. The Lobo household was one steeped in athletics and education, with…
Author: Kevin Koech
Cheryl Reeve is the head coach and President of Basketball Operations for the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA, she has carved out a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the league’s history. She was born on September 20, 1966, in Gloucester County, New Jersey, into a military family that eventually settled in Washington Township. A standout athlete from a young age, Reeve graduated from Washington Township High School in 1984, where she played on the school’s first basketball team to reach the state finals. She went on to attend La Salle University in Philadelphia, earning a degree…
Swin Cash, born Swintayla Marie Cash on September 22, 1979, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, is a retired professional basketball player and a celebrated figure in women’s sports. Raised primarily by her mother, Cynthia Cash, in a working-class suburb of Pittsburgh, Swin grew up with a fierce determination that would define her illustrious career. Today, she serves as the Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations and Team Development for the New Orleans Pelicans, a role she assumed in July 2024. Beyond her professional achievements, Cash is a dedicated philanthropist, a wife to Steve Canal, and a mother to their two sons, Saint…
Tina Marie Thompson, born on February 10, 1975, in Los Angeles, California, is a legendary figure in women’s basketball. She was the first overall pick in the inaugural WNBA draft in 1997, selected by the Houston Comets, and went on to become one of the league’s all-time greats. Beyond her athletic achievements, Thompson’s personal story is deeply tied to her family, particularly her siblings, who played a role in shaping her early love for basketball. After retiring from playing in 2013, she transitioned into coaching, most notably serving as the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers women’s basketball team from…
Angel Lajuane McCoughtry, born on September 10, 1986, in Baltimore, Maryland, is an American professional basketball player renowned for her dynamic scoring ability, tenacious defense, and significant contributions to the sport. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, McCoughtry has left an indelible mark on the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and international basketball. Raised in Baltimore by her parents, Sharon and Roi McCoughtry, Angel’s early exposure to basketball came through her father, who played forward at Coppin State University. She began honing her skills at the Northwood recreation center before emerging as a standout at St. Frances Academy and later transferring…
Ruth Ellen Riley Hunter, born on August 28, 1979, in Ransom, Kansas, is a retired American professional basketball player and one of the most celebrated figures in women’s basketball history. Raised in Macy, Indiana, a small town with fewer than 250 residents, Ruth grew up in humble circumstances, nurtured by her mother Sharon Riley, a single parent who worked as a waitress, factory worker and in-home hair stylist. Ruth’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a basketball legend is a testament to her hard work, faith, and the values instilled by her family. After an illustrious career that spanned…
Lauren Elizabeth Jackson, born on May 11, 1981, in Albury, New South Wales, Australia, is widely regarded as one of the greatest female basketball players in history. A former professional athlete, Jackson’s career spanned multiple continents and leagues, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Known by nicknames such as Loz, Jacko and LJ, she rose to prominence through her exceptional talent, towering 6-foot-5 frame, and relentless competitive spirit. She began playing at four and, by her teens, was a standout prodigy, eventually earning a scholarship to the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) at 14. Her journey took her from…
Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles, born on October 6, 1985, in Miami, Florida, is a retired American professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in WNBA history. Standing at an imposing 6-foot-6, Fowles dominated the paint with her physicality, skill, and relentless work ethic. Raised by her mother, Arrittio Fowles, in some of Miami-Dade’s tougher neighborhoods—such as Coconut Grove, Little Haiti, and the Victory Home Housing Projects—Fowles found her calling in basketball, a sport she initially took up simply because of her height. Though volleyball was her first love, her journey in basketball would ultimately lead her to…
Tamika Devonne Catchings, born on July 21, 1979, in Stratford, New Jersey, is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. A retired professional athlete, she spent her entire 15-year career with the Indiana Fever of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Beyond her athletic prowess, Catchings is known for her resilience, having overcome a hearing impairment diagnosed at age three, and her commitment to community service through her Catch the Stars Foundation. Siblings Tamika has five siblings, namely Chrystie Catchings, Bryce Catchings, Kenyon Catchings and Tauja Catchings.…
Sabrina Elaine Ionescu is a name that resonates deeply in the world of basketball. Born on December 6, 1997, in Walnut Creek, California, to Romanian immigrant parents Dan Ionescu and Liliana Blaj, Sabrina has risen to become one of the most celebrated players in women’s basketball. A standout guard for the New York Liberty in the WNBA, she first gained widespread recognition during her record-breaking college career with the Oregon Ducks. Known for her exceptional all-around game, Sabrina made history as the first NCAA Division I player—male or female—to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 1,000 assists. Beyond her on-court…
Sheryl Denise Swoopes, born on March 25, 1971, in Brownfield, Texas, is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. A trailblazer in the sport, Swoopes was the first player signed to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 1996, marking the beginning of a storied career that would inspire generations. Raised by her mother, Louise Swoopes, in a small, tight-knit community, Sheryl discovered her passion for basketball at a young age. Beyond her athletic achievements, Swoopes is celebrated for her resilience, authenticity, and contributions to the growth of women’s sports. Siblings Sheryl grew up…
Lisa Deshaun Leslie, born on July 7, 1972, in Gardena, California, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players in history. A trailblazer in women’s basketball, Leslie made her mark as a dominant center, becoming the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game and earning a reputation as a fierce competitor. Beyond her athletic prowess, she has excelled as a coach, broadcaster, and role model, leaving an indelible impact on the sport. Raised in Compton, California, by her mother, Christine Lauren Leslie, a truck driver who supported the family single-handedly after her father, Walter Leslie, a former…
Skylar Kierra Diggins-Smith, born on August 2, 1990, in South Bend, Indiana, is a standout figure in women’s basketball. A dynamic point guard for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, Skylar has built a reputation as one of the league’s premier talents since being drafted third overall by the Tulsa Shock in 2013. Raised by her parents, Tige Diggins and Renee Scott, Skylar’s early exposure to sports came from a family that encouraged athleticism—her mother was a gymnast, and her father supported her boundless energy. Now a veteran in her 12th WNBA season, she balances her professional career with motherhood,…
Maya Moore is a name synonymous with excellence in women’s basketball and a powerful voice for social justice. Born on June 11, 1989, in Jefferson City, Missouri, Moore grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, where her passion for basketball blossomed. She rose to prominence as one of the greatest players in the history of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and became equally known for her decision to step away from the sport at the peak of her career to focus on criminal justice reform. Moore’s early life was shaped by her mother, Kathryn Moore, who raised her as a single…
Candace Parker is a former professional basketball player widely regarded as one of the greatest in WNBA history. She grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where she developed her skills under her father’s coaching. Parker was drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008 and went on to win multiple WNBA titles with the Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. She also won two Olympic gold medals and was named WNBA MVP twice. After retiring in 2024, Parker transitioned into a new role as an NBA analyst. Siblings Candace has two older brothers, Anthony Parker and Marcus Parker.…