1996 Usa Women's Olympic Basketball Team Roster
The 1996 USA Women's Olympic basketball team roster was a powerhouse of talent, skill and determination. Comprised of some of the best female basketball players in the country, this team went on to win the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games.
Overview of the Team
The 1996 USA Women's Olympic basketball team was led by head coach Tara VanDerveer. The team was made up of 12 players, including:
- Teresa Edwards
- Ruthie Bolton
- Lisa Leslie
- Sheryl Swoopes
- Nikki McCray
- Rebecca Lobo
- Dawn Staley
- Jennifer Azzi
- Anita Kaplan
- Katy Steding
- Amy Tucker
- Shannon Johnson
Each of these players brought something unique to the team, making it a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Key Players
While every member of the 1996 USA Women's Olympic basketball team played an important role in their success, there were a few key players that stood out:
Teresa Edwards
Teresa Edwards was a veteran on the team, having played in three previous Olympic Games. She was a true leader on and off the court, and her experience and skill helped guide the team to victory.
Lisa Leslie
Lisa Leslie was a dominant force on the court, using her size and athleticism to score points and block shots. She was also named the MVP of the tournament, cementing her status as one of the greatest women's basketball players of all time.
Sheryl Swoopes
Sheryl Swoopes was known for her versatility, playing both on the perimeter and in the post. She was a tenacious defender and a scoring threat, making her a valuable asset to the team.
The Road to Gold
The 1996 USA Women's Olympic basketball team faced some tough competition on their way to the gold medal. They started off the tournament with a win against Cuba, followed by victories over Zaire and Japan.
Their toughest game came in the semifinals, where they faced off against Australia, the reigning world champions. The game was close, but the USA team pulled ahead in the fourth quarter, winning by a final score of 93-71.
In the gold medal game, the USA team faced off against Brazil, who had earlier defeated the USA team in an exhibition game. However, the USA team was determined to win, and they did just that, defeating Brazil by a score of 111-87.
Legacy of the Team
The 1996 USA Women's Olympic basketball team didn't just win a gold medal - they also helped to elevate women's basketball to a new level of popularity and respect. Their success paved the way for future generations of female basketball players, who could look up to them as role models and trailblazers.
The legacy of this team can still be felt today, as women's basketball continues to grow in popularity and gain more recognition and respect.
Conclusion
The 1996 USA Women's Olympic basketball team roster was a phenomenal group of athletes who came together to achieve greatness. Their talent, hard work and determination helped to elevate women's basketball to a new level, and their legacy continues to be felt today.