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1964-
Only four-time U.S. Olympian in her sport

Edwards took women's hoops to new heights.   Chuck Solomon

Although she was once called "the Michael Jordan of women's basketball," Teresa Edwards' exploits are largely unknown to American basketball fans. That's because she played the bulk of her impressive career overseas, spending nine years with clubs in Italy, Japan, Spain and France. But before Edwards could win over international audiences, she had to convince a person much closer to home that, for her, hoops was a worthwhile endeavor. The oldest of five children growing up in Cairo, Ga., Edwards was constantly late getting home in seventh grade because she was secretly attending tryouts for her first organized team. Edwards' mother, Mildred, did not approve of her daughter's athletic endeavors, so Edwards explained her tardiness by telling her mother she was helping a teacher. She didn't 'fess up until she had already made the squad.

Edwards' success on the hardwood took her to the University of Georgia, where during a stellar four-year career (1982-86) the do-it-all point guard led the Lady Bulldogs to two Final Fours. Edwards made her name, however, as an Olympian, leading the U.S. to three gold medals (1984, 1988, 1996) and one bronze (1992) -- and, as a current member of the national team, is on track for a possible fifth medal at the 2000 Sydney Games. She holds the U.S. Olympic records for games played, assists and steals; is second in points; and third in rebounds. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Edwards was picked to take the Olympic Oath at the opening ceremonies on behalf of all the athletes.

Edwards stayed stateside following the Atlanta Games and showcased her skills in the now-defunct ABL for two-plus seasons, including one as player-coach of the Atlanta Glory. In 84 games she averaged 20.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 2.5 steals. She was the only ABL player to score more than 40 points in a game, and she did so four times. Edwards took last summer off, and in September 1999 was named to the National Team. She is currently training for Sydney.

They said it: "I have to put her in the category of one of the best, if not the best, players in the world. She just keeps getting better and better; she's the consummate player in every respect. When you go to battle, you want her on your team. Her competitiveness and will to win is unbelievable." -- U.S. national team coach Nell Fortner

--Albert Lin

Athletes were selected by Sports Illustrated For Women, Sports Illustrated and CNN/SI editors, writers and correspondents who considered the athletes' on-field performance and achievements, plus their contributions to women's sports. Because athletic achievement was a key criterion, women whose contributions were made solely in administration and coaching are not included.

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