“I am honored to be recognized by LeBron, Ms. James and the James Family Foundation,” said Ms. Harris-Stewart. “I am a firm believer in education along with athletics and I’m impressed with what they do for children and families.”
“Lusia Harris-Stewart has made a huge impact both on and off the basketball court,” said LeBron James. “It is an honor to recognize this remarkable woman for her many contributions to the game and her important work in the community.”
During her four-year career at Delta State University, Harris-Stewart changed the face of women's basketball. A dominating 6’3”center, she led the Lady Statesmen to three consecutive AIAW national championships and an amazing 109-6 overall record between 1975-77. She finished her career with 2,981 career points averaging 25 points and 14 rebounds per game. She won a gold medal with the US Women’s Pan-American Games team in 1975 and she was a member of the first-ever US Women's Olympic team that earned a silver medal in 1976.
Following her outstanding collegiate career, she was drafted by the NBA’s New Orleans Jazz with the 6th pick in the seventh round in 1977. She was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992. Today, the three-time All-American continues to make her mark in the game, as a teacher and girls’ basketball coach in her native Mississippi.
ABOUT THE JAMES FAMILY FOUNDATION
Founded in 2004, the James Family Foundation was established to build hope in the lives of children and families who are dealing with adversity through education, recreation, employment and better health. Over the past few years, the foundation has sponsored various events raising funds for area non-profits and donating items such as school supplies and holiday groceries to children and families in Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, Youngstown, Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi. For more information on the foundation, call (330) 376-2935 or go online to The James Family Foundation.