5-Time Gold Medalist and University of Louisville Hall of Famer recognized by Valerie Combs and the City of Shively for her impact on women’s basketball
WNBA Phenom, adidas partner and University of Louisville Hall of Famer Angel McCoughtry gives back to the Louisville community by gifting a newly renovated “Reach for the Stars” basketball court, executed by Project Backboard, at Shively Park to kick off Juneteenth weekend. The new court embodies McCoughtry and adidas’ shared commitment to elevating women in sport and the next generation of hoopers.
“Louisville is a place I was able to Reach for the Stars,” said McCoughtry, referring to the name of the mural and its depiction of her moment of triumph. “My adidas family and I want to show you that you can too.”
McCoughtry’s image adorning the court commemorates a groundbreaking collegiate and professional career including her contributions to the history of Louisville basketball. Director of Development for Diversity initiatives/Engagement for the University of Louisville Valerie Combs shared how the new court adds to Louisville’s already storied basketball lore.
“Today, more history has come to the city of Shively.,” shared Combs. “ We are so proud to honor Angel as the first female to have her likeness displayed on an outdoor court for the community to cherish. Let this be a message to young ladies that they can dream to be a WNBA star and Olympian! Let Angel be the first female figure to be pictured on the court, but not the last! For those dreamers: Dream Big!”
Guests in attendance to celebrate Angel’s legacy and the donated court include Combs, and Mayor of Shively Beverly Chester-Burton who held the honor of cutting the ribbon, opening the court to the public for the first time.
“We are honored that Angel McCoughtry and adidas selected the City of Shively to install the ‘Reach for the Stars’ mural on our basketball court in Shively Park”, said Mayor Chester-Burton. “Angel’s career as an athlete is evident that with perseverance and dedication, anything is possible.”
Following the ribbon-cutting, the event kicked off Juneteenth weekend with a cookout, music provided by DJs and adidas Basketball giveaways for attendees.
“From the first time she put on a Louisville jersey, Angel has always taken great pride in our community,” said Jeff Walz, Head Coach of Women’s Basketball, University of Louisville. “This court is just another example of Angel’s willingness to give back. We sincerely appreciate Angel and adidas partnering to build this impressive court.”
(via Pitch Blend)
