Prepare to be amazed as we dive into the incredible story of Cardte Hicks, a basketball legend who defied expectations and left an indelible mark on the sport.
On February 9, 1981, at the Albuquerque Civic Auditorium, something extraordinary happened. In the final minutes of the Women's Professional Basketball League's All-Star Game, an unexpected star emerged. Cardte Hicks, a 25-year-old All-Star from the San Francisco Pioneers, captivated the audience with her extraordinary vertical leap and magnetic presence.
Standing at 5-foot-9, Hicks' vertical leap was a sight to behold, reaching an impressive 36 inches. Her talent and charisma were undeniable, and her teammates couldn't help but gush about her. Roberta Williams, a fellow Pioneer, described Hicks as having 'hang time' so long that she could've dialed a phone number mid-air!
As the game progressed, West head coach Greg Williams had a bold idea. He encouraged Hicks to attempt something she'd never done before in a WBL game - a dunk. With confidence in her abilities, Hicks took flight, soaring above the rim.
But here's where it gets controversial... In that pivotal moment, the ball slipped from Hicks' grasp, and the crowd was left in awe. Despite not completing the dunk, the attempt itself became an iconic moment, a symbol of pure joy and determination.
Fast forward to 2025, and we find Cardte Hicks at the first San Francisco Pioneers reunion, a gathering of legends. The team, an expansion in the short-lived WBL, had an impact far beyond their time.
During the reunion, former teammates shared stories and laughed together. Cindy "Stretch" Haugejorde, a former Pioneer, couldn't help but praise Hicks, calling her the "favorite player." She recalled how Hicks grabbed the rim with both hands during a rebound, leaving everyone in awe.
The WBL's brief existence was a testament to the talent and struggles of its players. While it offered a dream for many, it also exposed the disparities and challenges faced by these athletes.
Cardte Hicks, an openly queer African-American woman, stood out not only for her athletic prowess but also for her unapologetic self-expression. She loved San Francisco, its vibrant culture, and the energy of the Castro. She embraced her identity, rocking her afro on the court and singing the national anthem a cappella.
Hicks' career was a reflection of the systemic racism that plagued the sport. Despite her talent, she often felt alone as a Black woman in basketball. Her jersey number, #10, was a quiet message to herself - "one and only."
Growing up in San Pedro, California, Hicks honed her skills on the streets, playing with the boys. Her mother, who worked long hours, knew her daughter as a "tomboy" who could beat the boys in the neighborhood.
As Hicks moved through high school and college, her talent and confidence grew. She led San Pedro High School to city championships, playing with a fluid, off-the-cuff style. Her teammates at Long Beach State saw her greatness, describing her as effortless and humble.
But Hicks faced challenges, especially with coaching styles that didn't align with her dynamic play. Fran Schaafsma, the women's basketball coach at Long Beach State, had a structured approach that didn't mesh well with Hicks' abilities.
Despite these obstacles, Hicks' talent shone through. She was selected for the U.S. national team tryout in 1976, a chance to represent her country at the Olympics. However, her experience at the tryout was marred by racial discrimination.
Hicks believed she was denied a spot on the team because of her race. She confronted the coaches and left, feeling rejected. This moment left a lasting impact on Hicks, and she soon transferred to Cal State Northridge.
After her Olympic dreams were dashed, Hicks found solace in the Netherlands. There, she was embraced and celebrated for her talent. She joined the Basketball Oud-Beijerland team, where she formed a close friendship with Carla Benschop-de Liefde, another talented player.
Hicks and Benschop led their team to success, and Hicks' impact went beyond the dunk. Her fluid play, leaping ability, and pure joy for the game left a lasting impression.
In the Netherlands, Hicks found acceptance and love, but also experienced loneliness. Teaching basketball to local kids helped heal the wounds from her Olympic trial experience.
After returning to the United States, Hicks faced more challenges. The lack of sustainable women's pro leagues meant her talent was often overlooked. She tried out for the WNBA's Sacramento Monarchs but injured her knee, ending her basketball career.
Today, Hicks reflects on the WNBA's success and the progress made in women's basketball. She watches players like Jackie Young and Caitlin Clark with pride, knowing that her instincts about women's basketball were ahead of their time.
Cardte Hicks' story is a reminder that women's basketball has a rich history beyond the WNBA. It's shaped by the "keepers of these stories" - the players who fought for recognition and paved the way for future generations.
Hicks' legacy lives on through her work with The Legends: Kids First, a program she started in 1997. She continues to inspire and teach, carrying a positive spirit and a deep gratitude for the game she loves.
