Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Lisa Leslie

How Lisa Leslie built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lisa Leslie is a celebrated former professional basketball player, notable for her achievements in the WNBA. She made history as the first player to dunk in a WNBA game in 2002. After retiring from playing, Leslie transitioned into coaching, leading the Triplets in the BIG3 league. She has also served as a studio analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts. Leslie is considered one of the WNBA's all-time greats, evidenced by her ranking on ESPN.com's list of the WNBA's greatest players.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1989: California State Championship

In 1989, Lisa Leslie, as a sophomore, led her high school team to the California state championship.

1990: High School Scoring Record

In 1990, Lisa Leslie tied the national record for points scored by a high school basketball player with Cheryl Miller, scoring 101 points in the first half of a game, leading her team to a state championship.

1992: Youngest Player at Olympic Trials

In 1992, at age 20, Lisa Leslie was the youngest player to participate at the USA Olympic Trials.

June 21, 1997: WNBA Debut and First Double-Double

On June 21, 1997, Lisa Leslie made her WNBA debut in a game against the New York Liberty, recording 16 points and 14 rebounds, achieving the first double-double in WNBA history.

1997: Joins Los Angeles Sparks

In 1997, Lisa Leslie began playing in the WNBA for the Los Angeles Sparks, being the number-seven pick in the inaugural WNBA draft.

July 30, 2002: First WNBA Dunk

On July 30, 2002, Lisa Leslie became the first woman to dunk the ball in a WNBA game.

2002: First WNBA Dunk

In 2002, Lisa Leslie made history as the first player to dunk during a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) game.

2005: First WNBA All-Star Game Dunk

In the 2005 WNBA All-Star Game, Lisa Leslie became the first WNBA player to dunk in an all-star game.

2008: Return to WNBA

In 2008, Lisa Leslie returned to the WNBA for the season.

February 4, 2009: Retirement Announcement

On February 4, 2009, Lisa Leslie announced her retirement effective at the end of the 2009 season.

August 11, 2009: 6,000 Career Points

On August 11, 2009, Lisa Leslie became the first player to score 6,000 points in a career.

2009: Retirement from WNBA

In 2009, Lisa Leslie retired from the WNBA after 11 seasons with the Los Angeles Sparks.

2009: Final WNBA Game

In 2009, Lisa Leslie's final WNBA game was Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals, where the Sparks lost to the Phoenix Mercury despite Leslie's 22 points and 9 rebounds.