Table of Biography
Lisa Leslie is a well-known American professional basketball player. Currently, she is working as a head coach for Triplets in BIG3, a basketball league, and a studio analyst for Orlando Magic on Fox Sports Florida.
Early Life and Childhood
Lisa Leslie was born in Compton, California, on July 7, 1972. She was the daughter of Christine Lauren Leslie and Walter Leslie. Her father was a former professional basketball player. Her mother has her own truck-driving business. She has two sisters, Dionne and Tiffany, and one brother, Elgin.
Lisa had a rough childhood since her father left the family when her mother was 4 months pregnant with her. So her mother started her own truck-driving business to support the family. Her classmate introduced her to basketball when she wanted Lisa’s help on the team. She is the team’s only left-hand player, so she concentrates on becoming dominant with her right hand. Later, in eighth grade, she went to junior high school, but the school didn’t have any girls’ teams. She decided to join the boys’ team, which was her best decision because it helped her to boost her confidence.
Education
Lisa went to Morningside High School, which was located in Inglewood, California. Due to her hard work and extraordinary performance in basketball, she became the most well-known and well-received player. More than 100 universities across the nation offer her scholarship. She went to the University of California for her graduation and completed her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix.
Lisa Leslie – Net Worth 2023
Lisa Leslie has a net worth of $7 million. During her basketball career, it is estimated that she won more than $2 Million. Most of her income comes from being a head coach and model. She has endorsed many brands which include Sony PS2, ESPN, Kraft Foods, and a sports drink brand.
Career and Professional Life
Leslie used to choose sports as a major subject in high school. When her classmate asked her to help with her basketball team, she became interested in the game. She transferred to her school in eighth grade and joined the boys’ basketball team. Due to her hard work and skills, she received more than 100 recruiting letters from colleges including Division I programs from the University of Tennessee and Stanford University. In high school alongside basketball, she also played volleyball and competed in track and field. Later she qualified for a state-level 400-meter run and high jump.
In high school, she used to start every game for the girls’ team. She was the lead scorer and rebounder for her team and later helped the team to win the California State Championship. While she was in her senior year she averaged 27 points and 15 rebounds per game. She helps her team to win the state championship. Also, she scored 101 points and tied the national record with Cheryl Miller. Later she joined the University of Southern California and played for the women’s basketball team from 1990 to 1994.
Lisa Leslie completed her master’s degree from the University of Phoenix. She competed in 120 college games and scores averaged 20.1 points, 53.4% hitting shots, and 69.8% knocking down free throws. On 22 January 1997, Leslie was picked by Los Angeles Sparks. Later she helped the team to win the WNBA title in 2001. She was the first woman to dunk the ball in a WNBA game on July 30, 2002. Likewise, she also became the first player to score over 3,000 career points in WNBA.
She led the team to a second consecutive WNBA championship win. Moreover is also the first WNBA player to dunk the ball at an all-star game. She reached 10,000 PRA in 2009. She retired from the WNBA at the end of the 2009 season on 4 February 2004. Leslie has also represented the USA Women’s team in four consecutive Olympics and won 4 gold medals. She became the USA’s all-time leading scorer. Rather than playing basketball, she is also a model and actress. She has been on many TV shows like Sister Game, One on One, and The game. Many sports publications have featured her.
Awards and Nominations
Lisa Leslie has been nominated for and won many awards which include the Honda Sports Award (1994), Naismith College Player of the year(1994), USBWA Women’s National Player of the Year (1994), and WBCA Player of the Year(1994). She also earned All-American Honors in 1992, 1993, and 1994. She is also included in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall Of Fame in 2015.
Relationship Status
Lisa Leslie married Michael Lockwood on November 5, 2005. Michael also played basketball for the United States Air Force Academy and he is also a pilot for UPS. They have two children Michael Joseph Lockwood II and Lauren Jolie Lockwood. It is assumed she had a past relationship before her marriage.
Controversy & Scandals
Leslie run herself into controversy when she was asked about the Kobe Bryant rape charge in an interview with Gayle King In 2003.
Body Measurements
Lisa Leslie is 6 ft. 5 in or 196 cm tall and weighs about 77kg or 170lb. She has black hair color and brown eye color.
Lisa Leslie – Social Media
Lisa Leslie is widely popular and active on several social media platforms. She has about 291k followers on Instagram(@lisaleslie), 794k followers on Facebook(@lisaleslie), and 124.3k followers on Twitter(@LisaLeslie) where she regularly posts and shows her lifestyle to her fans.