Imagine shattering barriers in a man's world while dominating on the court – that's the incredible story of Lusia 'Lucy' Harris, now honored as one of the greatest women's college basketball stars ever.
From her days as a shining talent at Amanda Elzy High School to her legendary run at Delta State University, Lusia 'Lucy' Harris has just been named among the all-time elite in women's college hoops. Sadly, Harris passed away in 2022 at the age of 66, but her impact lives on. In the mid-1970s, she powered Delta State to an astonishing three championships in the AIAW – that's the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, the pioneering organization that organized women's college sports before the NCAA took over. For beginners, think of it as the early version of March Madness, but exclusively for women athletes breaking new ground. Harris didn't just win; she was the Most Valuable Player of the tournament every single one of those years, showcasing her unstoppable scoring and leadership skills.
But here's where it gets truly groundbreaking – and a bit controversial in the history books: Harris holds the distinction of being the very first, and still the only, woman to ever be drafted by an NBA team. In 1977, the Utah Stars selected her in the seventh round, a move that challenged gender norms in professional sports at a time when such ideas seemed impossible. And this is the part most people miss: while she never played in the NBA due to league changes and personal choices, her draft pick opened doors for future generations of female athletes. It raises the question – should more leagues today actively recruit across genders to push equality further?
The full story of her trailblazing career, including more details on her post-college achievements and lasting influence, continues below... but it's reserved for our Premium Content Subscribers.
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What do you think – does Lusia Harris's story make you rethink the recognition given to women's sports pioneers? Should her NBA draft moment be celebrated more widely, or was it just a publicity stunt? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you agree or have a different take!
