Lynette Woodard

During her collegiate career, Woodard earned multiple All-American honors before representing the United States in international competitions, culminating in an Olympic gold medal. Following her collegiate success, Woodard made history in 1985 by becoming the first woman to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. This groundbreaking move challenged traditional gender roles in professional sports and garnered significant media attention, with Ebony Magazine recognizing her as the ‘Crown Princess of Basketball.’ She toured extensively with the Globetrotters, showcasing her unparalleled skills alongside male counterparts and further cementing her trailblazing legacy. After her tenure with the Globetrotters, Woodard continued her professional career overseas before returning to become a foundational player in the early years of the WNBA, playing for teams such as the Cleveland Rockers and Detroit Shock. Woodard’s storied career has been widely recognized, leading to her induction into ten different Halls of Fame, reflecting the profound breadth and depth of her contributions to basketball. Her journey highlights a consistent commitment to the sport, evolving from her early days setting scoring records to becoming a respected coach and advisor within the professional sports landscape. Today, Lynette Woodard continues to shape the future of the iconic Harlem Globetrotters as a Special Advisor to the President. In this influential role, she leverages her unparalleled experience and legacy to inspire new generations and contribute to the team’s ongoing impact, demonstrating a story of sustained influence and barrier-breaking achievements within the world of professional basketball.