Basketball has been one of the most popular sports in the United States for decades. Over the years, some of the most talented players have made their mark on the game. One of the most celebrated and talented players is the Queen of Basketball, Sharnee Zoll-Norman.
A Brief History of Sharnee Zoll-Norman
Sharnee Zoll-Norman has been playing basketball since she was a child. She was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1979 and grew up in the city’s South Side. As a young girl, she was fascinated by the game. Her father was an avid basketball fan, and he frequently took her to Chicago Bulls games. From a young age, she was determined to become a professional player.
In 1997, Sharnee Zoll-Norman was a high school senior and had already earned a spot on an elite team in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU). She was a standout player in her high school and earned a scholarship to the University of Iowa.
At the University of Iowa, Sharnee Zoll-Norman continued to excel on the court. She was named an All-American in 2000 and was a three-time Big Ten Player of the Year. She also helped her team win the Big Ten Championship in 2000 and was a part of the NCAA Final Four in 2001.
Professional Career
After graduating from the University of Iowa, Sharnee Zoll-Norman was drafted by the WNBA in 2002. She was the sixth overall pick in the draft and was the first Iowa Hawkeye to be drafted in the WNBA. She was immediately a star in the league and was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2002.
In 2003, Sharnee Zoll-Norman was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks and helped the team win the WNBA Championship in 2004. She was also a five-time WNBA All-Star and three-time All-WNBA selection.
Sharnee Zoll-Norman continued to play professionally until she retired in 2019. She played for the Phoenix Mercury, San Antonio Stars, and New York Liberty during her career. She was also a member of the US national team and won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Legacy
Sharnee Zoll-Norman is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. She is often referred to as the “Queen of Basketball” due to her immense skill and accomplishments. She was the first player to be named an All-American, Big Ten Player of the Year, WNBA All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist.
Sharnee Zoll-Norman has also been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Iowa Sports Hall of Fame. She was also inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2019.
Conclusion
Sharnee Zoll-Norman has been an iconic figure in the world of basketball for almost two decades. She is one of the most decorated and respected players in the game and has earned the title “Queen of Basketball.” With her immense skill and accomplishments, she will continue to be an inspiration to basketball players of all ages for years to come.