In a significant recognition of her pioneering efforts in advancing women’s basketball, Annie Meyers Drysdale, a distinguished figure in the basketball world, has been announced as the recipient of the 2024 Kobe & Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award by the WNBA. This prestigious honor acknowledges Meyers Drysdale’s unwavering commitment to the empowerment and promotion of girls and women’s basketball throughout her illustrious career.
With a remarkable legacy spanning decades, Meyers Drysdale has been a trailblazer both on and off the court. As a vice president and esteemed broadcaster for both the Phoenix Mercury and the Phoenix Suns, she has continually shattered barriers and advocated for equality in sports.
The announcement of this esteemed accolade was made today by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Kat Conlon, Executive Director of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, during the 2024 NBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Meyers Drysdale joins an esteemed list of recipients, including Chris Paul in 2022 and Pau Gasol in 2023, as the third honoree of this annual award.
The Kobe and Gigi Bryant WNBA Advocacy Award pays tribute to individuals who exemplify dedication and leadership in promoting the WNBA and women’s basketball, a cause deeply cherished by Kobe Bryant. Kobe’s profound impact on the growth of the women’s game, along with Gigi’s inspirational commitment to excellence, is celebrated through this award, highlighting their enduring legacy as mentors and advocates.
Expressing her delight at Meyers Drysdale’s selection for the award, Vanessa Bryant, Chair of the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation, emphasized Annie’s remarkable contributions to the sport and her alignment with the values cherished by Kobe and Gigi.
Commissioner Engelbert hailed Meyers Drysdale as a true pioneer whose influence has resonated across generations of athletes, praising her relentless efforts to elevate women’s basketball. This award, presented in the memory of Kobe and Gigi Bryant, holds special significance as the basketball community commemorates the 45th anniversary of Meyers Drysdale becoming the first woman to sign an NBA contract.
Graciously accepting the award, Meyers Drysdale expressed gratitude for the recognition and reflected on her journey in the basketball world. Recalling her initial encounters with Kobe Bryant during her broadcasting tenure with the Los Angeles Sparks, she acknowledged his passion for the game and his unwavering support for women’s basketball.
Annie Meyers Drysdale remarkable achievements include numerous firsts in the realm of women’s basketball, including being the first high school player to join the U.S. National Team and the first woman to secure a full athletic scholarship to UCLA. Additionally, her groundbreaking broadcasting career, championship successes as a basketball executive, and accolades such as having awards named in her honor underscore her enduring legacy and impact on the sport.
As Meyers Drysdale continues to inspire future generations of athletes, her indelible mark on women’s basketball serves as a testament to her dedication, resilience, and unwavering advocacy for equality in sports.
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