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  4. WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The players of the WNBA's first All-Star Game in 1999

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The players of the WNBA's first All-Star Game in 1999

WHERE ARE THEY NOW: The players of the WNBA's first All-Star Game in 1999
Teresa Weatherspoon of the New York Liberty takes in the inaugural WNBA All-Star Game at New York's Madison Square Garden.Keith Torrie/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
  • Two years after the Women's National Basketball Association tipped off its first season, the league held its inaugural All-Star Game.
  • Hosted at New York City's iconic Madison Square Garden in front of 18,000+ fans, the showdown between the Eastern and Western conference teams featured some of the biggest stars of women's basketball.
  • With players from each of the league's 12 teams included in the contest, the West — led by WNBA legend and first-ever All-Star Game MVP Lisa Leslie — took home bragging rights.

The WNBA pulled out all the stops for its first-ever All-Star Game in 1999

The WNBA pulled out all the stops for its first-ever All-Star Game in 1999
From left: WNBA legends Lisa Leslie, Sheryl Swoopes, and Yolanda Griffith sit on the bench during the 1999 WNBA All-Star Game.      Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

The WNBA held its inaugural showcase of the league's top stars at New York City's Madison Square Garden, then the home of the New York Liberty

The WNBA held its inaugural showcase of the league
WNBA All-Star Teresa Weatherspoon waves to the crowd at Madison Square Garden.      Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Whitney Houston — yes, that Whitney Houston — sang the national anthem at center court

Whitney Houston — yes, that Whitney Houston — sang the national anthem at center court
Whitney Houston sings the national anthem ahead of the 1999 WNBA All-Star Game.      Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Then, the 23 All-Stars took the court to showcase their talent in front of a crowd more than 18,000 fans strong

Then, the 23 All-Stars took the court to showcase their talent in front of a crowd more than 18,000 fans strong
The 1999 WNBA All-Stars.      Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Orlando Miracle guard Shannon Johnson contributed eight points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists off the bench for the East during the '99 All-Star Game

Orlando Miracle guard Shannon Johnson contributed eight points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists off the bench for the East during the
Shannon Johnson takes a shot for the Orlando Miracle.      AP Photo/Scott Audette

The five-time WNBA All-Star retired in 2009, spent six seasons as the head coach of Coker University's women's basketball team, and has worked for Nike ever since

 

Yolanda Griffith — a star for the Sacramento Monarchs — recorded 10 points and five rebounds for the West

Yolanda Griffith — a star for the Sacramento Monarchs — recorded 10 points and five rebounds for the West
Yolanda Griffith with the Sacramento Monarchs.      Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images

Since retiring from the WNBA in 2009, the 1999 WNBA MVP and eight-time WNBA All-Star has worked on women's college basketball coaching staffs at Dartmouth, Lafayette College, the University of Albany, and Boston College

Since retiring from the WNBA in 2009, the 1999 WNBA MVP and eight-time WNBA All-Star has worked on women
Griffith on the bench with the Boston College Eagles.      Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Considered one of the greatest bigs in WNBA history, Griffith was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021

Considered one of the greatest bigs in WNBA history, Griffith was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021
Griffith is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.      David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Rebecca Lobo — an iconic center for the New York Liberty — did not suit up for the East in the inaugural All-Star Game after suffering an ACL tear in the first game of the season

Rebecca Lobo — an iconic center for the New York Liberty — did not suit up for the East in the inaugural All-Star Game after suffering an ACL tear in the first game of the season
Rebecca Lobo with the New York Liberty.      AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

The Connecticut Huskies standout was welcomed into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017

The Connecticut Huskies standout was welcomed into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017
Lobo is inducted into the Hall of Fame.      AP Photo/Stephan Savoia

Lobo retired from the WNBA in 2003 and has been a prominent women's basketball color analyst and reporter for ESPN ever since

Lobo retired from the WNBA in 2003 and has been a prominent women
Lobo (right) and Ryan Ruocco call the 2022 WNBA Finals for ESPN.      David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Utah Starzz forward Natalie Williams scored a game-high 14 points and added eight rebounds and three assists for the West in the '99 All-Star Game

Utah Starzz forward Natalie Williams scored a game-high 14 points and added eight rebounds and three assists for the West in the
Natalie Williams with the Utah Starzz.      Robert Mora/NBAE via Getty Images

Williams retired from the WNBA in 2005, but after pursuing careers outside of basketball, she found her way back to the league in 2022 when the Las Vegas Aces hired her as their general manager

Williams retired from the WNBA in 2005, but after pursuing careers outside of basketball, she found her way back to the league in 2022 when the Las Vegas Aces hired her as their general manager
Williams celebrates the Las Vegas Aces' 2022 WNBA championship victory.      Christopher Trim/NBAE via Getty Images

Taj McWilliams-Franklin — who played forward for the Orlando Miracle — had eight points and seven rebounds for the East in her first of six WNBA All-Star appearances

Taj McWilliams-Franklin — who played forward for the Orlando Miracle — had eight points and seven rebounds for the East in her first of six WNBA All-Star appearances
Taj McWilliams-Franklin competes for the Orlando Miracle.      Otto Greule /Allsport

After playing for six different WNBA franchises and winning two championships, McWilliams-Franklin stepped off the hardwood for good in 2012

After playing for six different WNBA franchises and winning two championships, McWilliams-Franklin stepped off the hardwood for good in 2012
McWilliams-Franklin celebrates winning a WNBA title with the Detroit Shock.      AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza

McWilliams-Franklin coached several college teams and acted as interim head coach for the WNBA's Dallas Wings before landing in her role as the WNBA's Player Relations & Development Manager

McWilliams-Franklin coached several college teams and acted as interim head coach for the WNBA
McWilliams-Franklin coaches the Dallas Wings during a 2017 matchup against the Connecticut Sun.      Williams Paul/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Phoenix Mercury forward Jennifer Gillom contributed six points and five rebounds to the West's All-Star Game victory

Phoenix Mercury forward Jennifer Gillom contributed six points and five rebounds to the West
Jennifer Gillom competes for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.      Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

She retired in 2003 and went on to coach for several WNBA franchises before returning to Phoenix to coach Xavier College Preparatory High School's varsity team

She retired in 2003 and went on to coach for several WNBA franchises before returning to Phoenix to coach Xavier College Preparatory High School
Gillom offers instructions to her team during a game.      AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Longtime New York Liberty shooting guard Vickie Johnson contributed six points and three assists for the East during the '99 All-Star Game

Longtime New York Liberty shooting guard Vickie Johnson contributed six points and three assists for the East during the
Vickie Johnson dribbles the ball for the New York Liberty.      Otto Greule Jr. /Allsport

Johnson has enjoyed a fruitful coaching career since retiring in 2009, and is currently the head coach of the WNBA's Dallas Wings

Johnson has enjoyed a fruitful coaching career since retiring in 2009, and is currently the head coach of the WNBA
Dallas Wings head coach Vickie Johnson.      AP Photo/Brandon Wade

Ruthie Bolton — a guard for the Sacramento Monarchs — contributed two points and three rebounds for the West

Ruthie Bolton — a guard for the Sacramento Monarchs — contributed two points and three rebounds for the West
Ruthie Bolton competes for the Sacramento Monarchs.      AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Since retiring from the WNBA in 2005, she's coached high school teams, worked in pro sports PR, written two books, participated in the Sport Diplomacy Sports Envoy program for the U.S. Department of State, and acted as a motivational speaker

Since retiring from the WNBA in 2005, she
Bolton waves to the crowd during a March 2022 Sacramento Kings game.      Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

Orlando Miracle guard Nykesha Sales scored six points on the night at MSG

Orlando Miracle guard Nykesha Sales scored six points on the night at MSG
Nykesha Sales takes a jump shot for the Orlando Miracle.      REUTERS/Molly Riley MMR/GN

Following her retirement in 2007, the eight-time WNBA All-Star worked as a community liaison for the Connecticut Sun before spending six years as an assistant coach for the UCF Knights and landing with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2022

Following her retirement in 2007, the eight-time WNBA All-Star worked as a community liaison for the Connecticut Sun before spending six years as an assistant coach for the UCF Knights and landing with the Georgia Bulldogs in 2022
Sales directs the team as an assistant coach for the UCF Knights.      AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Ticha Penicheiro — a Portuguese point guard for the Sacramento Monarchs — added a point and three assists for the West

Ticha Penicheiro — a Portuguese point guard for the Sacramento Monarchs — added a point and three assists for the West
Sacramento Monarchs point guard Ticha Penicheiro passes around a defender.      AP Photo/John Spivey

The league's seven-time assists leader retired in 2012 as one of the greatest point guards in WNBA history and moved on to become a sports agent representing some of the league's most prominent players

The league
Penicheiro waves to the crowd at the 2021 WNBA Finals upon being named one of the Top 25 WNBA Greatest Players of All Time.      Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

Merlakia Jones — the lone 1999 WNBA All-Star from the Cleveland Rockers — had four points, three rebounds, and three assists for the East

Merlakia Jones — the lone 1999 WNBA All-Star from the Cleveland Rockers — had four points, three rebounds, and three assists for the East
Merlakia Jones dribbles the ball for the Cleveland Rockers.      Doug Pensinger /Allsport

The three-time All-Star retired in 2004 and moved back to her native Montgomery, where she helped lead her high school's boys varsity team to an Alabama state championship as an assistant coach

The three-time All-Star retired in 2004 and moved back to her native Montgomery, where she helped lead her high school
Jones helps coach the George Washington Carver High School boys varsity basketball team.      punavision/YouTube

Minnesota Lynx guard Tonya Edwards scored seven points for the West during the inaugural WNBA All-Star Game

Minnesota Lynx guard Tonya Edwards scored seven points for the West during the inaugural WNBA All-Star Game
Tonya Edwards drives to the basket for the Minnesota Lynx.      Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images

Edwards, who retired in 2002, has coached at the high school, college, and WNBA levels, and is currently an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky

Edwards, who retired in 2002, has coached at the high school, college, and WNBA levels, and is currently an assistant coach for the Chicago Sky
Edwards helps prepare the Chicago Sky for a 2022 playoff matchup.      Erica Denhoff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Sandy Brondello, a shooting guard who was the lone All-Star from the Detroit Shock, added eight points and three rebounds for the East

Sandy Brondello, a shooting guard who was the lone All-Star from the Detroit Shock, added eight points and three rebounds for the East
Sandy Brondello with the Detroit Shock.      Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images

She hung up her sneakers in 2004, but quickly moved on to WNBA head coaching gigs with the San Antonio Silver Stars, Phoenix Mercury, and now the New York Liberty

She hung up her sneakers in 2004, but quickly moved on to WNBA head coaching gigs with the San Antonio Silver Stars, Phoenix Mercury, and now the New York Liberty
New York Liberty head coach Sandy Brondello (left) and star Sabrina Ionescu talk on the sideline.      Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

She's also the head coach of Australia's women's national basketball team — the Opals

She
Brondello coaches Australia's women's national basketball team.      Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Fellow Australian point guard Michele Timms — who played for the Phoenix Mercury — started for the West and contributed three points, four rebounds, and four assists

Fellow Australian point guard Michele Timms — who played for the Phoenix Mercury — started for the West and contributed three points, four rebounds, and four assists
Michele Timms dribbles the ball for the Phoenix Mercury.      Robert Mora/NBAE via Getty Images

Timms retired in 2001 and, after a lengthy coaching career that included stints as an assistant on the Australian and Chinese national teams, returned to her native Australia to start the Michele Timms Basketball Academy

Timms retired in 2001 and, after a lengthy coaching career that included stints as an assistant on the Australian and Chinese national teams, returned to her native Australia to start the Michele Timms Basketball Academy
Timms shows young players how to spin a basketball on their fingertips.      Jason McCawley/2022 Getty Images

New York Liberty center Kym Hampton added five points, three rebounds, and two steals as a starter for the East

New York Liberty center Kym Hampton added five points, three rebounds, and two steals as a starter for the East
Kym Hampton takes a shot for the New York Liberty.      Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

Hampton retired at the end of the 1999 season and has since pursued careers in modeling, acting, and singing

Hampton retired at the end of the 1999 season and has since pursued careers in modeling, acting, and singing
Hampton poses on the red carpet.      Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Women In Sports Foundation

Cynthia Cooper — a Houston Comets legend and one of the greatest players in WNBA history — had seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals for the West

Cynthia Cooper — a Houston Comets legend and one of the greatest players in WNBA history — had seven points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals for the West
Cynthia Cooper celebrates a win for the Houston Comets.      Adrees A. AAL/HB

Cooper retired in 2003 as a four-time WNBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and two-time league MVP

Cooper retired in 2003 as a four-time WNBA champion, four-time Finals MVP, and two-time league MVP
Cooper celebrates winning four straight WNBA championships with the Houston Comets.      REUTERS/Adrees A. AAL/RCS

Now known as Cooper-Dyke, she went on to coach several college teams — including her alma mater USC Trojans — before landing at Texas Southern

Now known as Cooper-Dyke, she went on to coach several college teams — including her alma mater USC Trojans — before landing at Texas Southern
Cooper-Dyke coaches the USC Trojans.      AP Photo/Elaine Thompson

Cooper-Dyke was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010

Cooper-Dyke was also inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010
Cooper-Dyke delivers her acceptance speech after her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.      REUTERS/Brian Snyder

The lone All-Star from the Charlotte Sting, forward Vicky Bullett had four points, five rebounds, and two blocks as a starter for the East

The lone All-Star from the Charlotte Sting, forward Vicky Bullett had four points, five rebounds, and two blocks as a starter for the East
Vicky Bullett looks to pass for the Charlotte Sting.      Robert Mora/NBAE via Getty Images

She retired from the WNBA in 2002 and coached at the collegiate level for a decade before stepping back and taking on a job as director of athletics and community outreach for the Boys and Girls Clubs near her hometown of Martinsburg, West Virginia

She retired from the WNBA in 2002 and coached at the collegiate level for a decade before stepping back and taking on a job as director of athletics and community outreach for the Boys and Girls Clubs near her hometown of Martinsburg, West Virginia
Bullett engages with kids at a basketball clinic.      Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images

Source: Journal-News

Then-Houston Comets superstar Tina Thompson had eight points and five rebounds for the West in the 1999 All-Star Game

Then-Houston Comets superstar Tina Thompson had eight points and five rebounds for the West in the 1999 All-Star Game
Tina Thompson dribbles into the paint for the Houston Comets.      Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Undoubtedly one of the greatest players in WNBA history, the nine-time WNBA All-Star went on to win four championships and earned a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018

Undoubtedly one of the greatest players in WNBA history, the nine-time WNBA All-Star went on to win four championships and earned a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018
Thompson accepts her spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.      AP Photo/Elise Amendola

After four seasons as head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers women's basketball team, Thompson accepted a scouting position within the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers franchise

After four seasons as head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers women
Thompson coached the Virginia Cavaliers for four seasons.      AP Photo/Jessica Hill

Source: The Athletic

Washington Mystics guard Nikki McCray had four points, two rebounds, and three steals for the East during the league's All-Star debut

Washington Mystics guard Nikki McCray had four points, two rebounds, and three steals for the East during the league
Nikki McCray competes for the Washington Mystics.      Doug Pensinger /Allsport

In 2006, she retired as a three-time WNBA All-Star and immediately embarked on a collegiate coaching career that's brought her from Western Kentucky and South Carolina to Old Dominion, Mississippi State, and now Rutgers

In 2006, she retired as a three-time WNBA All-Star and immediately embarked on a collegiate coaching career that
McCray was head coach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a season.      AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

Sheryl Swoopes — the first woman ever signed to a WNBA contract and a Houston Comets great — had eight points, eight rebounds, and three steals as a starter for the West

Sheryl Swoopes — the first woman ever signed to a WNBA contract and a Houston Comets great — had eight points, eight rebounds, and three steals as a starter for the West
Sheryl Swoopes dribbles the ball for the Houston Comets.      Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

A bonafide legend of the game, Swoopes retired in 2011 as a four-time champion, six-time All-Star, three-time league MVP, and five-time first-team all WNBA player before she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016

A bonafide legend of the game, Swoopes retired in 2011 as a four-time champion, six-time All-Star, three-time league MVP, and five-time first-team all WNBA player before she was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016
Swoopes is inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.      AP Photo/Elise Amendola

Swoopes spent a few years coaching at the collegiate level but has since turned her attention to her nonprofit — Back to Our Roots — while working as a product manager for Nike and running Swoopes Hoops Elite Basketball Camps

Swoopes spent a few years coaching at the collegiate level but has since turned her attention to her nonprofit — Back to Our Roots — while working as a product manager for Nike and running Swoopes Hoops Elite Basketball Camps
Swoopes.      AP Photo/Michael Wyke

Source: Forbes

Washington Mystics star rookie Chamique Holdsclaw had five points and five rebounds for the East

Washington Mystics star rookie Chamique Holdsclaw had five points and five rebounds for the East
Chamique Holdsclaw handles the ball for the Washington Mystics.      Doug Pensinger /Allsport

She went on to earn five more All-Star nods and led the league in scoring once and rebounds twice before retiring in 2010

She went on to earn five more All-Star nods and led the league in scoring once and rebounds twice before retiring in 2010
Holdsclaw dribbles into the paint for the Los Angeles Sparks.      Allen Einstein/NBAE via Getty Images

Holdsclaw has been open about her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder and, following a serious run-in with the law shortly after her retirement, has devoted her life beyond the basketball court to mental health advocacy

Holdsclaw has been open about her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder and, following a serious run-in with the law shortly after her retirement, has devoted her life beyond the basketball court to mental health advocacy
Holdsclaw has been a mental health advocate since retiring from the WNBA.      AP Photo/Wade Payne

Lisa Leslie — a superstar for the Los Angeles Sparks — earned 1999 WNBA All-Star Game MVP honors for her 13-point, five-rebound effort in New York

Lisa Leslie — a superstar for the Los Angeles Sparks — earned 1999 WNBA All-Star Game MVP honors for her 13-point, five-rebound effort in New York
Lisa Leslie earns MVP honors at the first-ever WNBA All-Star Game.      Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images

She finished her extraordinary career in 2009 after accruing two WNBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, eight All-Star nods, eight first-team All-WNBA honors, and three regular-season MVP awards

She finished her extraordinary career in 2009 after accruing two WNBA titles, two Finals MVP awards, eight All-Star nods, eight first-team All-WNBA honors, and three regular-season MVP awards
Leslie kisses the WNBA championship trophy.      REUTERS/Fred Greaves FG

A 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Leslie has gone on to become the head coach of the Triplets of the BIG3 league and works as an analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts

A 2015 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, Leslie has gone on to become the head coach of the Triplets of the BIG3 league and works as an analyst for Orlando Magic broadcasts
Leslie coaches the Triplets BIG3 team.      Aric Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Playing for the East, New York Liberty superstar guard Teresa Weatherspoon had three points, two rebounds, and four assists on her home court

Playing for the East, New York Liberty superstar guard Teresa Weatherspoon had three points, two rebounds, and four assists on her home court
Teresa Weatherspoon engages with the crowd at Madison Square Garden.      REUTERS/Chip East CME/SV

The five-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year retired in 2004 and earned a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 15 years later

The five-time All-Star and two-time Defensive Player of the Year retired in 2004 and earned a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame 15 years later
Weatherspoon buttons her Hall of Fame jacket after her induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.      AP Photo/Jessica Hill

She embarked on a fruitful coaching career after hanging up her sneakers, including acting as head coach at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech, from 2009 to 2014

She embarked on a fruitful coaching career after hanging up her sneakers, including acting as head coach at her alma mater, Louisiana Tech, from 2009 to 2014
Weatherspoon coaches the Louisiana Tech Techsters in 2010.      AP Photo/Steve Cannon

Weatherspoon has been an assistant coach for the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans since 2020, and many believe she's in the running to become the NBA's first woman head coach

Weatherspoon has been an assistant coach for the NBA
Weatherspoon (left) high fives Pelicans superstar Zion Williamson ahead of a game.      AP Photo/Darren Abate

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