History of Teresa Weatherspoon in Timeline
Teresa Gaye Weatherspoon is a highly accomplished figure in women's basketball, recognized as both a player and a coach. She notably played for the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA and coached the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters and Chicago Sky. Her exceptional career earned her inductions into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010 and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. Fans also voted her as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history.
December 8, 1965: Birth of Teresa Weatherspoon
Teresa Gaye Weatherspoon was born on December 8, 1965. She would go on to become an accomplished professional basketball player and coach, known for her time in the WNBA and multiple hall of fame inductions.
1983: US vs Soviet Union in World Championships
In 1983, the USA team faced the Soviet Union in the World Championships, where the Soviets had previously won with an 84-82 score. This set the stage for their rematch in the 1986 Goodwill Games.
July 1986: Represented USA at Goodwill Games
In July 1986, Teresa Weatherspoon represented the USA at the inaugural Goodwill Games in Moscow. The USA team won the gold medal, defeating the Soviet Union in the final with a score of 83-60.
1986: 1986 FIBA World Championship
Despite being injured and unable to play, Teresa Weatherspoon was part of the dominant USA team at the 1986 FIBA World Championship in Moscow. The team remained undefeated, culminating in a 108-88 victory against the Soviet Union in the finals.
1987: 1987 World University Games
Teresa Weatherspoon represented the US at the 1987 World University Games in Zagreb, Yugoslavia. The team won four out of five games, securing fifth place. Weatherspoon averaged 8.6 points per game and tied for first place on the team with 21 steals.
1988: Led Louisiana Tech to NCAA National Title
In 1988, during her senior season, Teresa Weatherspoon led the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters to the NCAA national title, cementing her status as a standout player in college basketball.
June 21, 1997: WNBA Debut with New York Liberty
On June 21, 1997, Teresa Weatherspoon made her WNBA debut with the New York Liberty in a 67-57 win over the Los Angeles Sparks. Weatherspoon recorded 3 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first player in WNBA history to record double-digit assists in a game.
1997: WNBA Inaugural Season
Teresa Weatherspoon was one of the original players of the WNBA in its inaugural season in 1997, starting every game she played for the New York Liberty.
1998: Second Defensive Player of the Year Award
In 1998, Teresa Weatherspoon won the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Award for the second consecutive year, becoming the first back-to-back recipient of the award.
September 4, 1999: The Shot
On September 4, 1999, during the WNBA Finals Game 2, Teresa Weatherspoon made one of the most memorable shots in WNBA history. With 2.4 seconds left, she hit a game-winning shot from 50 feet away to force a Game 3, a moment later referred to as 'The Shot.'
1999: Publication of "Teresa Weatherspoon's Basketball for Girls"
In 1999, Teresa Weatherspoon shared her basketball knowledge and experiences with young girls through her published book, "Teresa Weatherspoon's Basketball for Girls."
2000: All-Star Appearances and Finals
From 2000 to 2003, Teresa Weatherspoon continued to be a key player for the New York Liberty, making the All-Star Team every year and leading the team to the WNBA Finals in 2000 and 2002.
2002: Finals Appearance
In 2002, the New York Liberty, led by Teresa Weatherspoon, reached the WNBA Finals but were swept by the Los Angeles Sparks.
2003: Continued All-Star Appearances
In 2003, Teresa Weatherspoon made her final All-Star appearance, maintaining her productivity and reliability in the league.
2003: First Losing Season with Liberty
In 2003, the New York Liberty had their first losing season with a 16-18 record, and Teresa Weatherspoon maintained her streak of starting in every game she played from 1997 to 2003.
February 4, 2004: Signed with Los Angeles Sparks
On February 4, 2004, Teresa Weatherspoon signed with the Los Angeles Sparks, marking the end of her tenure with the New York Liberty and the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
September 26, 2004: Final WNBA Game
Teresa Weatherspoon played her final WNBA game on September 26, 2004, during the Western Conference First Round. The Sparks won the game 71-57, and Weatherspoon recorded 2 rebounds in 3 minutes.
2004: Role Change with Los Angeles Sparks
In 2004, Teresa Weatherspoon signed with the Los Angeles Sparks, marking a significant change in her career as she came off the bench for the first time and played an average of only 8.6 minutes per game.
2007: Head Coach of Westchester Phantoms
In 2007, Teresa Weatherspoon served as the head coach of the Westchester Phantoms of the American Basketball Association, marking her first head coaching role.
April 2008: Joined Coaching Staff of Lady Techsters
In April 2008, Teresa Weatherspoon joined the coaching staff of the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters, beginning her coaching career.
February 9, 2009: Promoted to Interim Head Coach of Lady Techsters
On February 9, 2009, Teresa Weatherspoon was promoted to interim head coach of the Lady Techsters, replacing former head coach Chris Long.
April 2, 2009: Named Head Coach of Lady Techsters
Teresa Weatherspoon was named head coach of the Lady Techsters on April 2, 2009, shedding the interim label and taking on a permanent coaching role.
2010: Induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
In 2010, Teresa Weatherspoon was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, recognizing her exceptional career and contributions to the sport.
2011: Selected as One of the Top 15 Players in WNBA History
In 2011, Teresa Weatherspoon was voted in by fans as one of the Top 15 players in the fifteen-year history of the WNBA.
2011: Voted as One of the Top 15 Players in WNBA History
In 2011, Teresa Weatherspoon was voted by fans as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history, highlighting her impact and performance in the league.
2016: Selected to the WNBA Top 20@20
In 2016, Teresa Weatherspoon was chosen as one of the WNBA Top 20@20, celebrating the league's best 20 players ever in honor of its twentieth anniversary.
2016: Named in the WNBA Top 20@20
In 2016, Teresa Weatherspoon was named in the WNBA Top 20@20, recognizing her as one of the league's best 20 players ever in celebration of the WNBA's twentieth anniversary.
September 26, 2019: Named Two-Way Player Development Coach for New Orleans Pelicans
On September 26, 2019, Teresa Weatherspoon was named two-way player development coach for the New Orleans Pelicans, marking her entry into NBA coaching.
2019: Induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
Teresa Weatherspoon was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest figures in basketball history.
November 16, 2020: Promoted to Full-Time Assistant Coach for New Orleans Pelicans
Teresa Weatherspoon was promoted to a full-time assistant coach for the New Orleans Pelicans on November 16, 2020, continuing her coaching career in the NBA.
June 2023: Released from Pelicans Coaching Staff
The New Orleans Pelicans released Teresa Weatherspoon from the coaching staff in June 2023, marking the end of her tenure with the team.
October 12, 2023: Hired as Head Coach of Chicago Sky
On October 12, 2023, Teresa Weatherspoon was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Sky of the WNBA, marking a new chapter in her coaching career.
September 26, 2024: Fired from Chicago Sky
On September 26, 2024, after the Chicago Sky failed to make the playoffs, Teresa Weatherspoon was fired from her position as head coach. Angel Reese expressed her heartbreak over the news on social media, praising Weatherspoon's belief and trust in her.