Lisa Leslie

Lisa Leslie playing overseas against Russia (espn.com/wnba)

Lisa Leslie was born July 7th, 1972. I was also born on July 7th but, just in 1997. Lisa has been playing for the Los Angeles Sparks for nine years. I chose Lisa Leslie because she inspired me to play basketball. I can relate to Lisa because we both love the game of basketball.

Lisa Leslie shooting (boards.rebkell.net)

When Lisa was born she lived in Compton, a city outside of Los Angeles with her mom and her two sisters Tiffany and Dionne. Later they moved to Carson, California. By the time Lisa reached the seventh grade she was past six feet. Lisa was so tall that everyone kept asking her if she played basketball which she did. Although, the question did get annoying she decided to quit basketball just so she could say "No." Then, the star of the junior high team talked Lisa into trying out for the middle school team. Lisa made the team and played as center and the team went undefeated. Lisa soon realized that just being tall was not enough of an advantage. So she began playing with her cousin Craig and he helped her develop her footwork and her shooting. I can relate to this because I worked with my dad and he helped me with my shooting. In 1986 Lisa made the high school basketball team starting every game. When I played for my school I started every game. Lisa achieved her full height'6-5" in her junior year.

Lisa Leslie using her pivot foot. (wnba.com)

All in all I think Lisa Leslie will always be an inspiration to me because she turned her life around. She turned her life around from a bad childhood into a good adulthood. I too would like to play for the Sparks just like Lisa did. Lisa Leslie is still playing for the Los Angeles Sparks. Lisa Leslie will always be my hero and an inspiration to me. I chose Lisa Leslie because she leads a great example for kids to follow their dreams!