Unfortunately, we lost a legend from the game of basketball as of late. Luisa Harris holds respect amongst all ballplayers around the world. However, her passing came at the ripe age of 66. Harris isn’t a household name by any means, but she should be. Her legacy and accomplishments elevated the game of basketball to new heights. Not just for people of color, but also for women around the world as well. She led her college, Delta State University, to three championships in the 1970s, per WNYC radio . Not to mention, she scored the first points in the history of Olympic women’s basketball. In 75 years o the NBA draft, she still is the only woman to be selected.
“We are saddened to announce that Lusia Harris, our beloved family member and legendary basketball player, has passed away suddenly today in Mississippi,” the family stated in a press release issued by Delta State University, her alma mater. “In recent months, Ms. Harris experienced moments of happiness, including the upcoming wedding of her youngest son and the global recognition received from a documentary highlighting her remarkable journey.”
Harris remembered vividly staying up to watch the 70s legends play. Her most iconic heroes were Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and several other heroes. She looked up to the greats and destined herself for similar greatness along her journey.
Louisa Harris’s Childhood
Harris stood six feet and three inches. Unfortunately, her height caused her to be ade fun of often. However, this proves to be a huge asset going forward playing the game of basketball. The new law passed, Title IX, which allowed Harris to play in college. She was the only African-American on the team at the time, yet, quickly became the key player.
Lusia Harris-Stewart, hailed as one of the most exceptional centers in women’s basketball, left an indelible mark on the court. Her dominance in the paint was unmatched among female athletes, according to her Hall of Fame profile
Throughout her four-year tenure at Delta State University, Harris-Stewart revolutionized the landscape of women’s basketball. Opponents struggled to contain her, often referring to her as unstoppable, although such a description hardly encapsulates her remarkable approach to the game.
According to Rachel Triesman, Harris averaged 26 points, and 15 rebounds and shot 63 percent from the field. There’s no doubt she’s a Delta State legend, she remains the university’s career record holder in points (2,891 and rebounds (1,662).
Some of my favorite shots. Here's one that tells a story. Towering over the competition. pic.twitter.com/E9SmF3o2fn
— Ben Proudfoot (@bgproudfoot) January 19, 2022
Harris’s Experiences and Achievements in the Olympics
She represented the U.S. at the 1976 Olympics. She was in the first-ever Olympic games to feature women’s basketball. Therefore, she made history by scoring the first basket ever. Ultimately, the team took a silver medal, however, it was more important the message she sent to the masses instead of the trophy itself.
She later ended her collegiate career, and sadly her hooping career as well.
“I wanted to continue playing, but there were no opportunities,” she expressed to the filmmakers. “Back then, there was no WNBA. It simply didn’t exist. … If I were a man, I would have had more avenues to pursue my career in basketball.”
“I would have had money, would have been able to do a lot of things that I would have wanted to do,” she continued.
Harris Joined the NBA
In 1977, after starting a family, she received a call from the New Orleans Jazz inviting her to try out. Although Denise Long was technically the only other woman drafted by the San Francisco Warriors, the league later vacated the pick, according to sources.
Initially, Harris thought it was just a publicity stunt and didn’t believe she was good enough. She felt that competing against women was one thing, but competing against men was a different story. Consequently, she decided not to pursue it and returned home, where she faced mental health challenges.
Instead of pursuing a career in the NBA, she chose to take a coaching job near her home. She has no regrets about her decision, not even a little bit. When asked why, she proudly points to the accomplishments of her children, including one who is a lawyer, one with a master’s degree, and two with doctorates.
