Sport: Basketball

Hometown: New York City, NY

Biography:  Chamique Holdsclaw is a star on the rise. In her debut collegiate season, Holdsclaw's play sent ripples through the basketball community. Three years later, the ripples have turned into tsunami-sized waves. As a Tennessee freshman, Holdsclaw scored team-high 16 points against the 1995-96 USA Women's National Team on Nov. 22, 1995, then helped the Lady Vols to the 1996 NCAA crown. Holdsclaw earned 1997 and 1998 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors for her stellar play. Holdsclaw, as a college junior to be, tried out for and was selected for USA Basketball's 1997 World Championship Qualifying team. Finishing as the team's leading scorer and rebounder, Holdsclaw numbers sparkled - 19.0 ppg. and 6.2 rpg. Helping the U.S. to 12-1 pre-competition record then the silver medal and a berth in the 98 World Championships. While in Brazil at the qualifying tournament she scored 32 points (12-14 FGs, 8-8 FTs) and adding seven rebounds, she led the USA to a hard-fought 94-90 victory over Cuba in the semifinals. She played all over the world, leading the team in scoring and rebounding the whole time. She's still getting better and there's no telling where her game is going to end up," said USA head coach Nell Fortner. In 1998, a more polished and savvy Holdsclaw continued to shine, this time among the world's best, letting everyone know that she is here to stay and will be as devastating as a tsunami to opponents for years to come.