USA Today Sports has unveiled its much‑anticipated list of the 250 greatest American sports figures, a tribute that spans decades and disciplines. The roster shines a particular light on women's basketball players whose careers were forged in the state of Maryland.
Among the honorees are ten standout women’s basketball players whose roots trace back to Maryland, each of whom has left an indelible mark on the game. Their stories weave together high school triumphs, collegiate excellence and professional dominance.
Maryland’s Basketball Legacy
Rebekkah Brunson, who starred at Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, went on to become Georgetown’s all‑time leading scorer and rebounder. Her professional career includes five WNBA championships, and the Minnesota Lynx retired her No. 32 jersey in recognition of her impact.
Kaila Charles, a native of Glenn Dale, dominated high school play with back‑to‑back MPSSA State titles and later earned All‑American honors at the University of Maryland. She was a three‑time First Team All‑Big Ten selection, underscoring her consistency at the highest level of college play.
Marissa Coleman’s journey took her to Cheltenham, where she became a McDonald’s All‑American at St. John’s College High School. She was a key member of the University of Maryland’s 2006 NCAA championship team, contributing to a historic title run.
Monique Currie, Duke’s third‑all‑time leading scorer, was crowned 2005 ACC Player of the Year. Tianna Hawkins captured Maryland Gatorade Player of the Year honors in 2008‑09 and later secured a WNBA championship in 2019, highlighting her blend of skill and resilience.
Brionna Jones, a Baltimore native and Metro Player of the Year, has risen to become a four‑time WNBA All‑Star. She also earned both Sixth Player and Most Improved Player awards, reflecting her versatility and growth in the league.
Jonquel Jones, who moved to Maryland at fourteen, blossomed into a WNBA champion, Finals MVP and league MVP. Her rare combination of size, skill and leadership has made her one of the most dominant players of her generation.
Angel McCoughtry, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft, added two Olympic gold medals to her résumé, cementing her status as one of the sport’s international icons. Angel Reese, a Saint Frances Academy alumna, propelled LSU to a national title and now leads the WNBA in rebounding, earning two‑time All‑Star recognition.
Rounding out the group, Kiki Rice, a Bethesda native and McDonald’s All‑American, was the second‑leading scorer on the Bruins’ 2026 NCAA championship team, continuing Maryland’s tradition of producing elite talent.