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 semi-professional basketball player, left.
Siblings
Lisa has two sisters, Dionne Leslie, who is five years older, and Tiffany Leslie, who is eight years younger.
Growing up, the Leslie siblings faced challenges after their father’s departure when Lisa was just four months in utero.
Christine, standing at 6 feet 3 inches herself, took on the role of sole provider, launching a truck-driving business to support Dionne, Lisa, and Tiffany.
While their mother was on the road, the sisters often stayed with relatives, fostering a close bond despite the separations.
Career
Leslie’s basketball journey began reluctantly in middle school, sparked by a desire to make friends rather than an innate love for the sport.
Standing over 6 feet tall by age 12, she quickly became a standout at Morningside High School in Inglewood, California, where she led her team to two state championships.
Her senior year was nothing short of legendary, famously scoring 101 points in a single half before the opposing team forfeited.
At the University of Southern California (USC), Leslie solidified her status as a collegiate star from 1990 to 1994.
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She set Pac-10 records for points (2,414), rebounds (1,214), and blocked shots (321), earning National Freshman of the Year honors in 1991 and National Player of the Year in 1994.
Her Trojans compiled an 89-31 record, including one Pac-10 championship and four NCAA tournament appearances.
Leslie’s professional career took off in 1997 when she was selected as the No. 7 pick in the inaugural WNBA draft by the Los Angeles Sparks.
Over her 12-year tenure with the Sparks, she became the face of the league, leading the team to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002, both times earning Finals MVP honors.
She made history on July 30, 2002, as the first woman to dunk in a WNBA game, a moment that symbolized her athletic dominance.
Leslie retired in 2009 as the league’s all-time leader in points (6,263), rebounds (3,307), and PRA (points + rebounds + assists, 10,444).
Her WNBA accolades include three MVP awards (2001, 2004, 2006), eight All-Star selections, and two Defensive Player of the Year honors (2004, 2008).
On the international stage, Leslie represented the United States with unparalleled success, winning four consecutive Olympic gold medals (1996, 2000, 2004, 2008)—a feat unmatched by any other team sport athlete at the time.
She also secured two FIBA World Championship titles (1998, 2002).
After retiring, Leslie transitioned into coaching, leading the Triplets to the BIG3 championship in 2019 and earning Coach of the Year honors in her debut season.
She has since worked as a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts and co-owns the Sparks, further cementing her influence.
Her trophy case is a testament to her greatness: inductions into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, WNBA Top 15 Players (2011) and WNBA Top 20@20 (2016).
Off the court, Leslie’s modeling career with Wilhelmina, her master’s degree in business administration, and her advocacy for women’s equality and breast cancer awareness showcase her multifaceted legacy.