Articles
Next Games
Column
Archives

Facts
Statistics
Biography

Multimedia
Theater
Gallery

Interactive
Poll
Quiz
Contest
Feedback

Special
Site News
Credits
Links
Literature

Born on August 9, 1977 Born in Astoria, New York Height 6-2 Weight 167 Position Forward

HITTING THE BOOKS AND THE BOARDS

While Chamique worked hard on the court, her grandmother was working plenty hard elsewhere. June Holdsclaw worked as a hospital records clerk and also took part-time jobs to ensure that Chamique could attend a private school and get a good education. By the time high school rolled around, Chamique's basketball skills were already earning her a nice reputation around her neighborhood. But Chamique's grandmother always stressed that there was much more to life than just basketball. Heeding her advice, Chamique quickly adapted to her grandmother's strict rules. Homework was done as soon as she came home from school. Church was attended every Sunday. No exceptions. As her grandmother used to say, "That's why you are who you are."
Chamique's grandmother's guidance paid off, as Chamique excelled on the court as well as in the classroom. Attending Christ The King High School, she led her team to an amazing four straight state basketball championships. Now nationally recognized, an intense recruiting war led to scholarship offers from just about every college in the nation. Chamique's choice: the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

Antigua Washington Wizards Ladies Classic Polo Show your team pride at the stadium, the office, or casually with the women's Classic polo from Antigua, carefully incorporating an embroidered team logo in a traditional, 3-button polo design.

Even the best high school players usually take a couple of years to get used to playing on the much more difficult college level. While there was no denying Chamique's skills on the court, nobody could have ever imagined what would happen when she arrived at college.

She won. Boy, did she win! The girl who could do no wrong in high school, wasted no time continuing her winning ways on the collegiate level. From the moment she stepped on the court for Tennessee, she had an immediate impact, leading the team to three straight national championships. Along the way, Holdsclaw picked up every imaginable award, and won over fans across the country with her exciting play.

Chamique enjoying life

After a junior season that saw Chamique lead Tennessee to a perfect 39-0 record and their third consecutive national championship, there were tons of rumors that she was going to leave school early to join a professional league. But Chamique, recognizing the importance of an education, decided to return for her senior year and complete her bachelor's degree in political science. In a senior season full of accolades and excitement, the highlight had to come in Chamique's final home game in front of her adoring Tennessee fans. Following the game, she strolled out to center court, amidst a rousing ovation from the crowd, knelt down and kissed the court on which she had played for the past four years. Although Chamique fell just short of winning her fourth championship just weeks later (Tennessee was eliminated in the NCAA tournament), she did complete her degree, an even more impressive accomplishment.

Antigua New York Knicks Ladies Whisper Sleeveless Polo The women's sleeveless Whisper polo from Antigua features a soft combed cotton waffle construction for comfort and lasting durability. The bra strap snap design secures your straps under the shirt for a clean, classy look, no matter what your activity.

THE DREAM COMES TRUE

As she prepares to begin her professional career, Chamique enters the WNBA surrounded by high expectations.

High School Christ the King Colloge Tennessee Drafted 1999, Pick No. 1 Team Washington Mystic Jersey Number 23

In the few months following the end of her collegiate career, Chamique has been pursued by the media, appeared in countless magazines, on tons of television talk shows and radio programs, and has been courted by companies from across the world that want her to endorse their products. She has been called the "female Michael Jordan" repeatedly and is even being pursued by Hollywood directors who hope her natural charisma will carry over into acting. And all this before she has even taken one professional shot. Sound overwhelming? Well, in typical Chamique fashion, this hoopster has taken it all in stride. She spent her summer back home in New York, returning to the courts where she first watched the guys play. Only this time around, it's the guys watching her.