United States Women's National Basketball Team: 1976 Summer Olympics Roster
The 1976 Summer Olympics marked a historic moment for women's athletics, featuring the debut of the United States women's national basketball team on the world's biggest sporting stage. Comprised of elite collegiate talent, the squad represented a pivotal era in the growth of women's competitive basketball in the U.S.
The team was led by head coach Billie Moore, who managed a versatile roster of guards, forwards, and centers. The selection process brought together athletes from various prestigious institutions, ranging from UCLA to Delta State, creating a powerhouse of skill and athleticism.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]
Key Facts
- Head Coach: Billie Moore.
- Tallest Player: Lusia Harris at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in).
- Youngest Player: Nancy Lieberman, aged 18.
- Position Diversity: The roster included a balanced mix of Centers (C), Forwards (F), and Guards (G).
- Collegiate Representation: Players hailed from diverse clubs including Mercer, UCLA, and Tennessee.
Detailed Player Roster
The 1976 roster was characterized by a blend of youth and experience. The team featured legendary figures such as Nancy Lieberman and Ann Meyers, who would go on to become icons of the sport.
| Name | Position | Height | Age (as of July 18, 1976) | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cindy Brogdon | Forward | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | 19 | Mercer |
| Nancy Dunkle | Forward | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | 21 | Cal State Fullerton |
| Lusia Harris | Center | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | 21 | Delta State |
| Pat Head | Guard | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | 24 | Tennessee–Martin |
| Charlotte Lewis | Center | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | 20 | Illinois State |
| Nancy Lieberman | Guard | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | 18 | Old Dominion |
| Gail Marquis | Forward | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) | 21 | Queens |
| Ann Meyers | Guard | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | 21 | UCLA |
| Mary Anne O'Connor | Forward | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | 22 | Southern Connecticut |
| Patricia Roberts | Forward | 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in) | 21 | Tennessee |
| Susan Rojcewicz | Guard | 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in) | 23 | Southern Connecticut |
| Juliene Simpson | Guard | 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in) | 23 | JFK |
Positional Breakdown
The team's strategy relied on a strong interior presence and agile perimeter play. The Center (C) position, the tallest players typically responsible for rebounding and interior defense, was anchored by Lusia Harris and Charlotte Lewis. The Forward (F) positions provided versatility in scoring, while the Guards (G) managed the ball-handling and perimeter defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the head coach of the 1976 US women's Olympic basketball team?
The team was led by head coach Billie Moore.
Who was the tallest player on the roster?
Lusia Harris was the tallest player, standing at 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in).
Who was the youngest member of the team?
Nancy Lieberman was the youngest player on the roster at 18 years old.
Which colleges or clubs were represented on the team?
The roster included players from Mercer, Cal State Fullerton, Delta State, Tennessee–Martin, Illinois State, Old Dominion, Queens, UCLA, Southern Connecticut, Tennessee, and JFK.
How many players were listed as guards on the roster?
There were five guards on the roster: Pat Head, Nancy Lieberman, Ann Meyers, Susan Rojcewicz, and Juliene Simpson.