Keynote Speaker: Lynette Woodard
Former Wichita North High School, University of Kansas and WNBA basketball player
A trailblazer, a legend and an icon in every sense of the word, Lynette Woodard's symphony of successes resounds with the echoes of a grand fanfare she so richly deserves. As the first female to wear the iconic red, white and blue of the Harlem Globetrotters, she transformed the court into a stage of wonder, captivating audiences worldwide with a balletic grace that shattered gender barriers and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who witnessed her electrifying performances.
From sock ball — the game created by her brother, Darryl, — to the playgrounds and to the hardwood courts of Wichita North High School, where she led her team to two state basketball titles, one grand state and was selected for the Parade Magazine High School All American team, to the historic Allen Fieldhouse at the University of Kansas, where her jersey now hangs in honor, Woodard’s brilliance blazed a path of records. A four-time Kodak All-American, including a 43-year unmatched record of 3,649 career points, Ms. Woodard played with a men’s basketball and without a three-point shot, a testament to her relentless prowess. An exceptional student as well as an athlete, she was twice named a GTE Academic All-American, balancing her academic pursuits with her competitive spirit seamlessly.
Her litany of accolades paints the picture of an unparalleled career: two-time Naismith Hall of Famer, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist — serving as captain of the 1984 games, and an inductee into 16 Halls of Fame (and counting). Ms. Woodard is also a triple-crown jewel in the sports world, having secured the Wade Trophy, the Broderick Award and being the first woman ever to be honored with the NCAA Top Five Award, not to mention her star status as a WNBA player.
Her journey beyond the hardwood is as illustrious as her play on it. Ms. Woodard became a registered series 7 stockbroker and worked on Wall Street when the market was at an all-time high. She later obtained certification in hyperbaric medicine and led a team of hyperbaric technicians in the field. She eventually returned to the sports world and became a guiding force as a head coach at Winthrop University. For her contributions to women's basketball and beyond, she was honored with the Women’s Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL) Women’s Professional Basketball “Trailblazer” Award among other distinguished accolades, including the 1993 Flo Hyman Award, which she received from President Bill Clinton, emblematic of her embodiment of the dignity, spirit and commitment to excellence.
In every role — Olympic gold medalist, groundbreaking Globetrotter, WNBA pioneer, coach, mentor and trailblazer — Lynette Woodard has been an inspiring figure, leading not just in points scored, but in the lives touched. Her story is not just one of personal triumph, but a beacon that illuminates the path for young people aspiring to reach the zenith of their own potential, in sports and in life.
