A pioneering female basketball player and coach who won Olympic gold and later guided teams to success as a coach. Known for breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of women in sports.
Carla McGhee is a renowned American former basketball player, best known for her exceptional skills on the court and her remarkable comeback story after a near-fatal car accident in 1987. She is a two-time national champion with the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers and a gold medal winner with the 1996 Olympic Team.
Born on March 6, 1968, in Peoria, Illinois, McGhee's passion for basketball was evident from an early age. She played for the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers from 1986 to 1990, averaging 6.1 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game throughout her collegiate career. Her impressive performance earned her a spot on the 1987 Tennessean All-Freshman team.
In October 1987, McGhee's life took a dramatic turn when she was involved in a severe car crash that left her in a coma for 47 hours. She suffered brain injuries and broke nearly every bone in her face, leading doctors to believe that she would never play basketball again. However, McGhee's determination and perseverance propelled her to defy the odds, and she eventually returned to the court, stronger and more resilient than ever.
McGhee's professional career spanned over six seasons, with stints in the American Basketball League (ABL), Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), and abroad in Germany, Spain, and Italy. She played for the Atlanta Glory in the ABL, averaging 8.2 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game in 26 games. Her time abroad saw her become a Spanish League and Spanish-Italian League All-Star in 1993.
In 1999, McGhee joined the Orlando Miracle in the WNBA, where she played for three seasons. Her impressive skills on the court earned her a spot on the gold medal-winning 1996 Olympic Team.
McGhee's exceptional talent and dedication to the sport led to her selection for the USA team representing the country at the William Jones Cup competition in Taipei, Taiwan, in 1987. The team won all seven games, claiming the gold medal, and McGhee averaged 7.4 points per game throughout the tournament.
In 1994, McGhee was part of the USA team that competed in the World Championships in Hobart, Tasmania, and Sydney, Australia. Although the team fell short of the gold medal, they won the bronze medal after beating the host country, Australia, 100-95. McGhee averaged 5 points per game throughout the tournament.
Carla McGhee's remarkable story serves as an inspiration to countless young athletes, demonstrating the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination. Her contributions to women's basketball have paved the way for future generations of players, and her legacy continues to inspire and motivate.
McGhee's journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit, and her achievements on and off the court have left an indelible mark on the world of women's basketball.
54 Years Old
A four-time Olympic gold medalist and first player to dunk in a WNBA game, known for dominating the court with her impressive skills and inspiring a generation of female athletes.
55 Years Old
A pioneering female basketball player and coach who won three Olympic gold medals and was one of the original players in the WNBA, known for her impressive skills and trailblazing career.
60 Years Old
A pioneering point guard who led the New York Liberty to three WNBA finals and later became a successful college coach, known for her tenacious on-court play and inspiring leadership.
52 Years Old
A pioneering female basketball player and Olympic gold medalist turned sportscaster, known for breaking barriers in women's sports and providing expert commentary.
58 Years Old
A pioneering female basketball player and coach, known for being one of the first women to play professionally overseas and later coaching in the WNBA.
