Teresa Edwards, the most decorated women’s basketball player in history, will be the guest speaker at the 2008 Southwestern Athletic Conference Basketball Tournament Reception on Tuesday, March 11 at the Harbert Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Edwards began her career at the University of Georgia, where she was a two-time All-American. She led the Georgia Bulldogs to three SEC titles, four NCAA Tournaments and two Final Four appearances. Her jersey number (#5) was retired, making her one of only three Lady Bulldogs (including Katrina McClain and Janet Harris) to receive that honor. She is a five-time Olympic medal winner with the women’s USA basketball team, winning four gold medals and one bronze medal for her country. She is the youngest recipient of a women’s Olympic gold medal in 1984 and the oldest gold medalist in 2000. In international competition, she has been a member of 22 different USA basketball teams, capturing 18 medals, 14 gold, one silver and three bronze medals. Her teams compiled a 205-14 overall record for a 93.6 winning percentage.
The Cairo, Ga., native has played professionally overseas in Italy, Japan, Spain and France. She also played for the Atlanta Glory in the now defunct American Basketball League. Edwards ended her professional playing career with the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA. As a member of the Lynx, she participated in the playoffs twice. She also served as assistant coach for the Lynx form 2006-2007.
The 2008 SWAC Men and Women’s Basketball Tournament will be held March 12-15 at Fair Park Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The top eight teams from regular season play will meet in single-elimination action for four days with the championship culminating on Saturday, March 15. For more information on the tournament or to purchase tickets, contact the Conference office at 205-251-7573 or visit www.swac.org
