Women’s Basketball Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale is the recipient of the 2024 Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award, becoming the first woman to win the recognition for her contributions to the advancement of girls’ and women’s basketball.
Meyers Drysdale has a decorated background, including being the first female athlete to receive a full athletic scholarship to UCLA and the first college basketball player to be named to the All-America Team in four consecutive seasons. Her ambitious spirit also helped her become the first woman to sign an NBA contract when she joined the Indiana Pacers in 1979.
Years later, she made history as a WNBA executive with the Phoenix Mercury, winning three championships in 2007, 2009 and 2014. Additionally, Meyers Drysdale has made a profound impact through broadcasting. She was the first woman to broadcast an NBA game and has won multiple awards throughout her time on air.
Great to catch up with former broadcasting colleague and friend, @AnnMeyers at tonight’s Nets game @barclayscenter ! Ann, who is calling tonight’s game for Suns TV, is a member of the @NaismithHall ! The basketball pioneer, who has done it all – is class personified! pic.twitter.com/EzbH0MeevP
— Bruce Beck (@BruceBeck4NY) February 1, 2024
Here’s what Ann had to say about receiving the award:
“I first met Kobe when his dad was coaching the Los Angeles Sparks, and I was on the Sparks’ broadcast team. I knew then how much passion Kobe had for the game of basketball and how that devotion ran in the family. It was a full-circle moment for me when Kobe led his daughters to the sport, and we all saw the support he gave to girls and women in the game. As someone who has also lost a husband while raising young children, I hope to honor Vanessa’s strength and bring further awareness to the ways that she continues to recognize her husband and daughter’s legacy.”
