Ann Meyers

Ann Meyers. Ann Meyers Drysdale is a pioneering American former professional basketball player, sportscaster, and executive, widely recognized as one of the greatest female athletes of her generation. She made history as the first woman to sign a guaranteed contract with a National Basketball Association team, the Indiana Pacers, in 1979. A versatile All-American at UCLA, she also competed in volleyball and track and field, and was a key member of the U.S. women's national basketball team that won a silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal.

Early life and education

Born in San Diego, she was raised in a highly athletic family in La Habra, California, with her brothers including future National Football League player David Meyers. She attended Sonora High School, where she excelled in multiple sports. Meyers chose to attend the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), playing for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team under coach Billie Moore. At UCLA, she became a four-time first-team All-American and led the Bruins to the inaugural AIAW National Championship in 1978, earning tournament Most Valuable Player honors. She graduated as UCLA's all-time leader in points, rebounds, and assists.

Basketball career

Following her collegiate career, Meyers was a focal point for the U.S. national team, capturing a silver medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics. She played professionally in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL) for the New Jersey Gems, where she was named the league's Most Valuable Player in 1980. Her most famous professional milestone came in 1979 when she received an invitation to try out for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association, ultimately signing a one-year, $50,000 contract. Although she did not make the final regular-season roster, her groundbreaking attempt challenged gender barriers in professional sports. She also played for the Women's American Basketball Association and continued with national team commitments.

Broadcasting career

After her playing days, Meyers transitioned seamlessly into a successful career in sports broadcasting. She worked as a commentator and analyst for major networks including NBC, ESPN, and CBS Sports, covering a wide range of events from the NBA to college basketball and the Olympic Games. She provided analysis for NBA broadcasts and women's NCAA tournaments, becoming one of the most recognizable female voices in sports media. Her broadcasting work earned her respect for her insightful analysis and deep knowledge of the game, further solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the sports industry.

Personal life and legacy

In 1986, she married Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Brooklyn Dodgers; they had three children before his death in 1993. Meyers has held significant front-office roles, serving as a scout and later as the General Manager for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women's National Basketball Association, helping them win a WNBA championship in 2007. Her legacy is that of a multifaceted pioneer who broke ground for women in professional basketball, sports broadcasting, and executive management. She has been an influential advocate for women's sports and gender equality in athletics.

Awards and honors

Meyers has been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1993), the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (1999), and the FIBA Hall of Fame (2007). Her jersey number was retired by UCLA. She received the prestigious James E. Sullivan Award in 1978 as the nation's top amateur athlete. Other honors include the Wade Trophy, induction into the National High School Hall of Fame, and being named to the National Collegiate Athletic Association Silver Anniversary Team. The Los Angeles Times once named her the greatest female athlete in Southern California history.

Category:American women's basketball players Category:Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductees Category:Olympic silver medalists for the United States in basketball