Ann Meyers Drysdale!

Welcome to the Piece Of Advice Newsletter!

Good morning and Happy New year! Today we are talking about a basketball legend, Ann Meyers Drysdale!

Ann Meyers Drysdale is a name that echoes through the halls of basketball history; not just for her immense talent, but for the barriers she shattered with grace and grit. A standout athlete from an early age, Meyers Drysdale was the first high school player named to the U.S. national team and the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship at UCLA. Her trailblazing didn’t stop there; she later became the first woman to sign a contract with an NBA team when the Indiana Pacers took a chance on her in 1979. That bold move challenged assumptions and opened doors for future generations.

As a UCLA Bruin, Meyers Drysdale left an indelible legacy. She led her team to a national championship in 1978, was a four-time All-American, and to this day remains one of the most decorated players in women’s college basketball. Her uncanny ability to read the court, deliver clutch plays, and lead with integrity made her a fan favorite and a coach’s dream. Her influence extended beyond stats; she helped elevate the women’s game at a time when it struggled for visibility and respect.

After hanging up her sneakers, Ann Meyers Drysdale continued to shape the sports world from behind the microphone and in executive offices. As a broadcaster, she broke new ground again, becoming one of the first women to call an NBA game. Her insights and energy made her a trusted voice in sports media. She later served as an executive with the Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Suns, championing the growth of women’s basketball and advocating for equality in sports leadership.

Today, Ann Meyers Drysdale remains a vibrant symbol of excellence and perseverance. She’s in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, but perhaps her greatest legacy is the inspiration she gives to young athletes; especially girls; who dare to dream big. Whether on the hardwood, in the boardroom, or behind a mic, Meyers Drysdale has always played with heart and broken barriers with style. She’s not just a basketball icon; she’s a game-changer in every sense.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

Ann Meyers Drysdale: Too many! Be yourself, keep trying, another race is to be run. Don’t look back and say “I would have, could have, should have.” Have fun! Enjoy what you do! Inspire others and give your best!

Thank you for joining us today and I hope you have an incredible week and a happy new year! This is YOUR YEAR!

-Giancarlo