Chamique Holdsclaw
Essay title: Chamique Holdsclaw
Chamique Holdsclaw is a star on the rise. And considering the height she has already achieved, thats saying something.
In her debut collegiate season, Holdsclaws play sent ripples through the basketball community. Three years later, the ripples have turned into tsunami-sized waves.
As a Tennessee freshman, Holdsclaw opened eyes when she scored a team-high 16 points against the 1995-96 USA Womens National Team on Nov. 22, 1995, then helped the Lady Vols to the 1996 NCAA crown. Making it a perfect three-for-three after winning it all again in 1997 and 1998, Holdsclaw earned 1997 and 1998 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors for her stellar play.
Holdsclaw, as a college junior to be, tried out for and was selected for USA Basketballs 1997 World Championship Qualifying team. Despite being surrounded by 11 professionals during the summer of 97, and despite her lack of international experience, it was Holdsclaws first trip out of the country, she more then proved herself to USA head coach Nell Fortner and the veteran players like Edna Campbell, Teresa Edwards, and Katie Smith. Finishing as the teams leading scorer and rebounder, Holdsclaw numbers sparkled – 19.0 ppg. and 6.2 rpg. Helping the U.S. to 12-1 pre-competition record then the silver medal and a berth in the 98 World Championships, she had left her mark.
While in Brazil at the qualifying tournament, Holdsclaw celebrated her 20th birthday by giving USA coach Fortner a memorable gift. Scoring 32 points (12-14 FGs, 8-8 FTs) and adding seven rebounds, she led the USA to a hard-fought 94-90 victory over Cuba in the semifinals.
Throughout the summer, Holdsclaw learned from four-time Olympian Edwards, perhaps one of the best players ever to