Luncheon Featuring Chamique Holdsclaw
In Partnership with:
Sponsors: Vanderbilt University and Dixie Taylor-Huff / Digitar Management
Born Chamique Shaunta Holdsclaw on August 9th, 1977 in Queens, NY, she first made her mark as a high school basketball star at Christ The King High School, where she would lead her team to 4 straight State Championships and became an All-American and one of the most highly sought after College Basketball recruits in the country. She would later accept a full athletic scholarship to play collegiately at perennial Women’s Basketball powerhouse – University of Tennessee Lady Vols and Hall of Fame Coach Pat Summit. She would go on to have a stellar collegiate career that included leading the Lady Vols to 3 straight NCAA Championships, which was the first time that had ever been accomplished in Women’s College Basketball history. After her illustrious college basketball career which included several All-American honors and countless other awards, Chamique would go on to be the #1 Pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. Her rookie season was capped with a WNBA Rookie of the Year Award as well as her 1st of 6 WNBA All-Star appearances. In 2000 she had the honor of winning an Olympic Gold Medal with Team USA at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. Aside from her outstanding athletic talent, Chamique is a First Class human being who loves giving back to the community. She spends a great deal of her free time speaking to various women’s organizations and young girls about the importance of self-esteem, education as well as leading a healthy and physically active lifestyle. As of late Chamique has devoted a lot of her focus and time to speaking to various conferences, panels and events within the Mental Health community to share her own personal struggles with Depression and how she has been able to overcome her battles. Her new book “Breaking Through: Beating The Odds Shot After Shot” aims to inspire others to find the strength to face their own adversity, life challenges and personal obstacles in their lives to strive to become their best despite their circumstances. She is also the new national spokesman for Active Minds which is a not-for-profit organization which provides much needed resources and encouragement to those within the Mental Health community. She wants to empower others who have struggled with Depression to go seek the professional help they need. Chamique ultimately hopes to erase the ugly stigma associated with Mental Health issues, especially within the African-American community. She is an honorary member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. sorority and currently lives in the Atlanta area.