Lisa Leslie, a former star of USC women’s basketball, has been recognized as one of the top athletes of the 21st century, securing the 74th spot on ESPN’s prestigious list of the top 100 athletes. Leslie’s illustrious career spanned from 1990 to 2009, where she achieved remarkable success both collegiately and professionally with the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA.
During her WNBA tenure, Leslie emerged as a dominant force, clinching two WNBA championships, two WNBA Finals MVP awards, and three WNBA MVP titles. She was also an eight-time WNBA All-Star and made history as the first player to dunk in a WNBA game. Known for her defensive prowess, Leslie garnered two WNBA Defensive Player of the Year accolades and led the league in blocks on two occasions, maintaining averages of 17.3 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.
Leslie’s achievements extend beyond the WNBA courts to the global stage, where she contributed to four Olympic gold medals for Team USA from 1996 to 2008. Her impact on women’s basketball earned her inductions into both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Before turning professional, Leslie solidified her legacy at USC, where she remains one of the most celebrated athletes in Trojan history. A two-time All-American and four-time All-Pac-10 selection, Leslie averaged an impressive 20.1 points per game during her collegiate career. Her standout season in 1994 saw her averaging 21.9 points per game, earning her the Naismith College Player of the Year award and the prestigious Honda Sports Award, recognizing her as the top female athlete across all college sports. Additionally, Leslie holds the record for most blocked shots in USC history and has been honored by the university with the retirement of her jersey number, 33.
While Leslie’s career predominantly flourished before the 21st century, her impact on the sport and her accolades rightfully place her among the elite athletes of the modern era. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes, both at USC and beyond.
