Misty Davenport McMichael is an American former professional basketball player and coach. She played in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) for nine seasons and was a member of the United States national team that won a gold medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
After retiring from playing, McMichael became an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina women's basketball team. In 2012, she was named head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. McMichael is the first woman to coach a WNBA team to a championship, which she did with the Sparks in 2016.
McMichael is a highly respected figure in the basketball community. She is known for her work ethic, her passion for the game, and her ability to connect with her players. She is also a strong advocate for women's basketball and has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports.
Misty Davenport McMichael
Misty Davenport McMichael is a former professional basketball player and coach. She is the first woman to coach a WNBA team to a championship, which she did with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016.
- WNBA champion
- Olympic gold medalist
- Assistant coach
- Head coach
- Advocate for women's basketball
- Respected figure in the basketball community
- Known for her work ethic
- Passionate about the game
- Ability to connect with her players
McMichael's success as a coach is due in part to her ability to connect with her players. She is known for her positive attitude and her ability to motivate her players to play their best. McMichael is also a strong advocate for women's basketball. She has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports and has worked to promote women's basketball at all levels.
Personal details and bio data of Misty Davenport McMichael
Born | August 1, 1972 |
Birthplace | Columbia, South Carolina |
Height | 6'3" |
Position | Center |
College | University of South Carolina |
WNBA teams | New York Liberty, Los Angeles Sparks, San Antonio Silver Stars, Indiana Fever, Atlanta Dream |
WNBA championships | 2001, 2002 |
Olympic gold medals | 2000 |
WNBA champion
Misty Davenport McMichael is a two-time WNBA champion, winning the title in 2001 and 2002 with the Los Angeles Sparks. She was a key member of both championship teams, averaging double-doubles in both seasons.
- Leadership and Teamwork
McMichael was a leader on both of her championship teams, known for her ability to motivate and inspire her teammates. She was also a team player, always willing to do whatever it took to win.
- Defense
McMichael was a defensive force in the paint, averaging over 2 blocks per game in her career. She was also a great rebounder, averaging over 8 rebounds per game.
- Offense
McMichael was a versatile offensive player, able to score inside and outside. She was a good shooter, free throw shooter, and passer.
- Clutch Performer
McMichael was a clutch performer, known for making big plays in big moments. She was also a great free throw shooter, making her a valuable asset in close games.
McMichael's success as a WNBA champion is due to her combination of leadership, defense, offense, and clutch play. She is one of the most successful players in WNBA history and is a role model for young players.
Olympic gold medalist
Misty Davenport McMichael is an Olympic gold medalist, having won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
Winning an Olympic gold medal is one of the highest achievements in sports. It is a testament to McMichael's hard work, dedication, and skill. It is also a reflection of her commitment to representing her country and her sport at the highest level.
McMichael's Olympic gold medal is a source of pride for her, her family, and her country. It is also an inspiration to young athletes around the world. Her story shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Assistant coach
Misty Davenport McMichael began her coaching career as an assistant coach for the University of South Carolina women's basketball team. In this role, she was responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Recruiting and evaluating players
- Developing and implementing practice plans
- Assisting the head coach with game preparation and strategy
- Mentoring and counseling players
McMichael's experience as an assistant coach was invaluable in her development as a head coach. She learned the importance of building relationships with players, developing a strong work ethic, and preparing for games. She also gained valuable experience in recruiting and evaluating talent.
McMichael's success as an assistant coach is due in part to her ability to connect with players. She is known for her positive attitude and her ability to motivate her players to play their best. McMichael is also a strong advocate for women's basketball. She has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports and has worked to promote women's basketball at all levels.
Head coach
Misty Davenport McMichael is a highly successful head coach in the WNBA. She has led the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships and has been named WNBA Coach of the Year twice.
- Leadership
McMichael is a strong leader who is able to motivate and inspire her players. She is known for her positive attitude and her ability to create a winning culture.
- Tactics
McMichael is a skilled tactician who is able to develop and implement game plans that exploit her team's strengths and weaknesses. She is also able to make adjustments during games to counter her opponents' strategies.
- Player development
McMichael is committed to player development. She works with her players to improve their skills and help them reach their full potential.
- Relationship building
McMichael is able to build strong relationships with her players and staff. She is known for her open and honest communication style.
McMichael's success as a head coach is due to her combination of leadership, tactics, player development, and relationship building. She is one of the most successful coaches in the WNBA and is a role model for young coaches.
Advocate for women's basketball
Misty Davenport McMichael is a strong advocate for women's basketball. She has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports and has worked to promote women's basketball at all levels.
- Equal pay for equal work
McMichael has been a vocal advocate for equal pay for women's basketball players. She has spoken out against the gender pay gap in sports and has called for women's basketball players to be paid the same as men's basketball players.
- Increased media coverage
McMichael has also worked to increase media coverage of women's basketball. She has appeared on television and radio shows to talk about the sport and has written articles for newspapers and magazines. She has also worked with ESPN to increase the number of women's basketball games that are televised.
- Development of young players
McMichael is committed to the development of young women's basketball players. She has worked with youth basketball leagues and has mentored young players. She has also donated money to organizations that support women's basketball.
- Role model
McMichael is a role model for young women's basketball players. She is a successful player and coach who is passionate about the sport. She is also a strong advocate for women's basketball and is working to make the sport more popular and accessible.
McMichael's advocacy for women's basketball is making a difference. She is helping to raise the profile of the sport and is inspiring young players to pursue their dreams. She is also working to make the sport more fair and equitable for women.
Respected figure in the basketball community
Misty Davenport McMichael is a respected figure in the basketball community. She is known for her work ethic, her passion for the game, and her ability to connect with her players. She is also a strong advocate for women's basketball and has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports.
There are many reasons why McMichael is so respected in the basketball community. First, she is a successful player and coach. She won two WNBA championships as a player and two more as a coach. She also won a gold medal with the United States national team at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Second, McMichael is a great ambassador for the game of basketball. She is always willing to give back to the community and she is a role model for young players. She is also a strong advocate for women's basketball and she is working to make the sport more popular and accessible.
The basketball community is fortunate to have someone like Misty Davenport McMichael. She is a respected figure who is using her platform to make a positive impact on the game.
Known for her work ethic
Misty Davenport McMichael is known for her strong work ethic. She is always willing to put in the extra work to improve her game and to help her team succeed. This work ethic has been a key factor in her success as a player and coach.
- Dedication to practice
McMichael is known for her dedication to practice. She is always one of the first players on the court and one of the last to leave. She works hard on her skills and is always looking for ways to improve. Her dedication to practice has paid off, as she is one of the most skilled players in the WNBA.
- Preparation for games
McMichael is also known for her preparation for games. She studies her opponents and develops game plans that exploit their weaknesses. She is also a great motivator and is able to get her team ready to play hard. Her preparation for games has helped her teams to achieve great success.
- Leadership by example
McMichael is a leader by example. She is always working hard and is always willing to do whatever it takes to win. Her work ethic and dedication have inspired her teammates and helped her teams to achieve great success.
- Commitment to excellence
McMichael is committed to excellence. She always strives to be the best that she can be. Her commitment to excellence has helped her to achieve great things in her career as a player and coach.
McMichael's work ethic is an inspiration to everyone who knows her. She is a role model for young players and for everyone who wants to achieve success in life. Her story shows that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
Passionate about the game
Misty Davenport McMichael is passionate about the game of basketball. She has been playing since she was a child, and she loves everything about it. She loves the competition, the teamwork, and the feeling of accomplishment she gets when she helps her team win. McMichael's passion for the game is evident in everything she does, from the way she practices to the way she coaches.
McMichael's passion for the game has been a major factor in her success as a player and coach. As a player, she was one of the most skilled and dedicated players in the WNBA. She was a two-time WNBA champion and a two-time Olympic gold medalist. As a coach, she has led the Los Angeles Sparks to two WNBA championships. McMichael's passion for the game is contagious, and it has helped her to inspire her players to achieve great things.
In addition to her success on the court, McMichael is also a passionate advocate for women's basketball. She has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports, and she has worked to increase media coverage of women's basketball. McMichael's passion for the game is not just about winning championships. It is also about using her platform to make a positive impact on the world.
Ability to connect with her players
Misty Davenport McMichael is known for her ability to connect with her players. This is a valuable skill for any coach, but it is especially important for a coach of a women's basketball team. Women's basketball players often face unique challenges, such as the gender pay gap and the lack of media coverage. McMichael is able to create a supportive environment for her players, where they feel valued and respected. This helps them to perform at their best on the court.
McMichael's ability to connect with her players is also evident in her coaching style. She is a demanding coach, but she is also fair and understanding. She knows how to motivate her players and get them to buy into her system. This has led to great success for her teams. McMichael has won two WNBA championships as a coach, and she has also led the United States national team to a gold medal at the Olympics.
The ability to connect with her players is a key component of Misty Davenport McMichael's success as a coach. She is able to create a positive and supportive environment for her players, which helps them to perform at their best. This is a valuable skill for any coach, but it is especially important for a coach of a women's basketball team.
Frequently Asked Questions about Misty Davenport McMichael
This section provides answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Misty Davenport McMichael, a former professional basketball player and coach, and a respected figure in the basketball community.
Question 1: What are Misty Davenport McMichael's major accomplishments as a player?
As a player, Misty Davenport McMichael was a two-time WNBA champion (2001, 2002) and a two-time Olympic gold medalist (2000, 2004).
Question 2: What are Misty Davenport McMichael's major accomplishments as a coach?
As a coach, Misty Davenport McMichael has won two WNBA championships (2016, 2017). She is the first woman to coach a WNBA team to a championship.
Question 3: What is Misty Davenport McMichael's coaching style?
Misty Davenport McMichael is known for her demanding but fair and understanding coaching style. She is able to motivate her players and get them to buy into her system.
Question 4: What are Misty Davenport McMichael's contributions to women's basketball?
Misty Davenport McMichael is a strong advocate for women's basketball. She has been a vocal critic of the gender pay gap in sports and has worked to increase media coverage of women's basketball.
Question 5: What awards and honors has Misty Davenport McMichael received?
Misty Davenport McMichael has been named WNBA Coach of the Year twice (2016, 2017) and was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Question 6: What is Misty Davenport McMichael's legacy in basketball?
Misty Davenport McMichael is a pioneer and a role model for women in basketball. She has broken barriers and achieved great success as both a player and a coach. Her legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and passion for the game.
Summary of Key Takeaways or Final Thought: Misty Davenport McMichael is a highly accomplished and influential figure in basketball. Her contributions to the sport as a player, coach, and advocate have left a lasting impact on the game. She is a true pioneer and role model for women in sports.
Transition to the Next Article Section: Misty Davenport McMichael's story is an inspiration to us all. She shows us that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and passion. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of basketball players and fans for years to come.
Basketball Tips from Misty Davenport McMichael
Misty Davenport McMichael, a legendary basketball player and coach, offers valuable advice for players of all levels.
Tip 1: Practice with purpose.
Every practice session should have a specific goal. Whether you're working on your shooting, ball handling, or defense, make sure you have a clear objective in mind. This will help you stay focused and get the most out of your practice time.
Tip 2: Visualize success.
See yourself making the game-winning shot or playing great defense. Visualization is a powerful tool that can help you improve your performance. When you visualize success, you're more likely to believe in yourself and achieve your goals.
Tip 3: Study the game.
Watch basketball games, read books and articles, and talk to your coaches and teammates. The more you know about the game, the better you'll be able to make decisions on the court.
Tip 4: Be a good teammate.
Basketball is a team sport, so it's important to be a good teammate. Be supportive of your teammates, and be willing to do your part to help the team succeed.
Tip 5: Never give up.
There will be times when you face challenges on the court. But it's important to never give up. Keep working hard and never lose sight of your goals.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits
By following these tips, you can improve your basketball skills and become a better player. Remember to practice with purpose, visualize success, study the game, be a good teammate, and never give up.
Transition to the article's conclusion
Misty Davenport McMichael is a true basketball legend. Her tips can help players of all levels improve their game and achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Misty Davenport McMichael is a true basketball legend. Her accomplishments as a player, coach, and advocate for women's basketball are unparalleled. She is a role model for young players and for everyone who wants to achieve success in life. Her story shows that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and passion.
McMichael's legacy will continue to inspire generations of basketball players and fans. She is a pioneer who has helped to break down barriers and make the sport more inclusive. Her work to promote women's basketball has helped to raise the profile of the game and inspire young girls to pursue their dreams. McMichael is a true champion, on and off the court.


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