Who is Lisa Leslie? - From USC to LA Sparks Stardom
12 YEAR LEGACY
Lisa Leslie was born on July 7, 1972, in Gardena, California, and raised in Compton. Her mother, Christine Leslie-Espinoza, worked as a mail carrier and truck driver. While her mother was away, Leslie lived with relatives and helped raise her younger sister, Tiffany.
Over six feet tall by middle school, Leslie initially had no interest in basketball and no experience in organized sports. A classmate’s invitation sparked her passion for the game.
An interesting note from Leslie is that when she started playing basketball, she felt alone as the only left-handed player on the team. She then learned to manoeuvre with her right hand, becoming an ambidextrous player and gaining an advantage.
In eighth grade, she joined the boys’ club team. The boys didn’t accept her well, refusing to pass the ball, unaware of her skill. She intercepted a pass and scored a basket.
Leslie starred at Morningside High, earning California’s “Freshman of the Year” title in her first basketball season. Her sophomore year ended with a missed shot in the state championship, losing to Fremont by one.
Determined, she led Morningside to victory over Fremont in the 1989 rematch, earning All-America honours. At 16, she led the U.S. Junior National Team in Spain, later setting a national record with 101 points in a half. At USC, she set Pac-10 records, won the 1994 Naismith Award, and graduated with a communications degree.
Later on in her career as a basketball player, she was drafted into the WNBA as a player for the Los Angeles Sparks from 1997 to 2009, Leslie's accomplishments in the WNBA include being the first player to receive the regular season MVP, the All-Star Game MVP, and the playoff MVP in the same season.
Lisa Leslie was a dominant force in women's basketball, known for her exceptional combination of size, athleticism, and skill, making her a true pioneer and a legend of the sport.
As a WNBA player, she was the first player to perform a dunk and here are her top plays:
She is currently the head coach of the Triplets in the BIG3 professional basketball league, where she continues to break barriers as one of the few women leading a men’s pro team. Additionally, she serves as a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network Florida, offering expert insights drawn from her legendary playing career.
As a side note, Lisa Leslie, was an ardent admirer of Tito Trinidad, a fact that resonates deeply with my Boricua heritage. It’s a point of pride to know that Leslie, a towering figure who significantly shaped the WNBA’s rise to prominence, held such admiration for one of Puerto Rico’s greatest boxers to ever step into the ring.
Her fandom adds a fascinating layer to her legacy, bridging basketball and boxing across cultures. This connection highlights her broad appreciation for athletic excellence, endearing her further to fans who value her multifaceted interests beyond the hardwood.