45 Facts About Teresa Weatherspoon

Early Life and Family

Teresa Weatherspoon's journey to basketball greatness began in Pineland, Texas. Her family played a significant role in shaping her career.

1. Teresa Gaye Weatherspoon was born on December 8, 1965, in Pineland, Texas.
2. Her parents, Charles and Rowena Weatherspoon, were instrumental in her upbringing.
3. Teresa has two brothers and three sisters.
4. Her father, Charles Sr., played minor league baseball for the Minnesota Twins and holds the record for the most grand slams in a minor league game.
5. Fans affectionately call her "T-Spoon" or "Spoon".

College Career and Achievements

Weatherspoon's college years at Louisiana Tech University were marked by outstanding performances and leadership.

6. She majored in health and physical education at Louisiana Tech University.
7. Teresa led the Lady Techsters to four consecutive Final Four appearances.
8. In her senior season, she helped the team win the NCAA national championship in 1988.
9. She was a star player who contributed significantly to her team’s success.

Olympic Gold Medalist

Teresa's talent extended to the international stage, where she represented the United States.

10. In 1988, she was part of the U.S. women's basketball team that won the gold medal at the Seoul Olympics.
11. The team included notable players like Anne Donovan, Cynthia Cooper, Katrina McClain, and Teresa Edwards.

Professional Career

After college, Weatherspoon's professional career took her around the world before she returned to the U.S. to play in the WNBA.

12. She played overseas in Italy, France, and Russia for nearly a decade.
13. In 1997, she joined the New York Liberty in the WNBA's inaugural season.
14. Teresa led the league in assists during her first year.
15. She earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in both 1997 and 1998.

WNBA Achievements

Weatherspoon's time in the WNBA was filled with memorable moments and accolades.

16. She was a five-time WNBA All-Star.
17. Teresa led the New York Liberty to the WNBA Finals four times.
18. On September 4, 1999, she made a game-winning shot from half court, known as "The Shot," in the WNBA Finals against the Houston Comets.
19. This iconic moment forced a Game 3 in the series.

Hall of Fame Inductions

Weatherspoon's contributions to basketball have been recognized with several prestigious honors.

20. She was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010.
21. In 2019, she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
22. Fans voted her as one of the Top 15 players in WNBA history in 2011.
23. In 2016, she was selected to the WNBA Top 20@20 list.

Coaching Career

After her playing days, Teresa transitioned to coaching, where she continued to make an impact.

24. She began her coaching career with the Westchester Phantoms of the American Basketball Association in 2007.
25. Teresa joined the coaching staff at Louisiana Tech University, becoming the interim head coach in 2009 and the full-time head coach later that year.
26. She led the Lady Techsters to several successful seasons.
27. In 2019, she was named a two-way player development coach for the New Orleans Pelicans.
28. Teresa was promoted to a full-time assistant coach in 2020.
29. She was released from the Pelicans' coaching staff in June 2023.

International Experience

Teresa's international experience extended beyond her playing career.

30. In 1987, she participated in the World University Games in Zagreb, Yugoslavia.
31. The U.S. team won four out of five contests, with Teresa averaging 8.6 points per game.
32. She recorded 21 steals, tied for first place on the team.

Author and Mentor

Weatherspoon has also contributed to the sport through writing and mentoring young athletes.

33. In 1999, she published a book titled Teresa Weatherspoon's Basketball for Girls.
34. The book is filled with anecdotes and advice on improving basketball skills for young girls.

Family Influence and Legacy

Teresa's family and personal connections have played a significant role in her life and career.

35. She credits her family, especially her mother Rowena, as the biggest influence on her basketball career.
36. Teresa is second cousins with former Atlanta Falcons linebacker Sean Weatherspoon.

Continued Influence and Recognition

Even after her playing and coaching careers, Teresa Weatherspoon continues to inspire and influence the basketball community.

37. Her major in health and physical education helped her develop a strong foundation in athletic performance and educational principles.
38. Teresa's leadership on and off the court was instrumental in her team's success.
39. She emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategic play in her coaching philosophy.
40. Teresa focuses on developing players who can excel both individually and as part of a team.
41. She has been involved in various community programs promoting youth basketball and empowering young girls through sports.
42. Teresa's legacy extends beyond her playing career, inspiring generations of female basketball players.
43. Her induction into multiple Halls of Fame is a testament to her enduring impact on women’s basketball.
44. Fans and peers alike have recognized her contributions to the sport.
45. Teresa Weatherspoon’s iconic status in basketball history remains an inspiration to both current and aspiring basketball players.

Teresa Weatherspoon: A Basketball Icon

Teresa Weatherspoon's impact on basketball is undeniable. From her stellar college career at Louisiana Tech to her gold medal win at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, she has consistently proven her prowess. Her time in the WNBA with the New York Liberty showcased her leadership and skill, especially with her unforgettable half-court shot in the 1999 Finals. Beyond playing, Weatherspoon has made significant strides as a coach, influencing many young athletes. Her inductions into both the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame highlight her lasting legacy. Even after her coaching stint with the New Orleans Pelicans ended, her influence on the sport remains strong. Teresa Weatherspoon's journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and passion for basketball, inspiring future generations to follow in her footsteps.