St. John's University Athletics
St. John’s to Honor “Pioneers of the Game” on Saturday
2/9/2023 3:05:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Women’s basketball legends Carmen Fletcher and Louise McCray to be honored at game vs. DePaul
QUEENS, N.Y.— The St. John's women's basketball program will honor trailblazers Louise "Smiley" McCray and Carmen "Cheese" Fletcher, with the "Pioneers of the Game" award during Saturday's game against DePaul.
As we celebrate Black History Month, St. John's will recognize the pair of former players, who have paved the way for the future. McCray was the first-ever African-American female student-athlete to receive a scholarship at St. John's and Fletcher was the first Puerto Rican-Black player to be drafted and play professionally in the Women's Basketball League.
These two women epitomize everything that is good about the game of basketball and St. John's University," said Senior Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Women's Administrator Kathy Meehan. "Their passion and work ethic paved the way for future players to follow. We can't thank them enough for their outstanding contributions to the women's basketball program."
McCray, a Bronx native, made history right when she arrived at St. John's, becoming the first-ever African-American woman to earn an athletic scholarship. In 1975-76, she made an instant impact on the defensive end, as the team's leader in blocked shots as a freshman. Over the course of her career, the forward played in 80 total games, tallying 317 points and 323 rebounds.
Fletcher, brought the program to new heights, as she was drafted professionally to the New York Stars of the Women's Basketball league, following two successful years playing in Queens. Her rise into the professional ranks made her the first ever Puerto Rican-Black player to be drafted and play professionally coming out of St. John's. The forward played two seasons with St. John's from 1976-78. In her final year, the Queens native, led the team averaging 8.4 boards and finished the 1977-78 season scoring in double-figures with 10.8 points per game. Following that year, she earned the Victoria Porter Team MVP Award.
Saturday's contest against DePaul is scheduled to tip at 4 p.m. from Carnesecca Arena.
As we celebrate Black History Month, St. John's will recognize the pair of former players, who have paved the way for the future. McCray was the first-ever African-American female student-athlete to receive a scholarship at St. John's and Fletcher was the first Puerto Rican-Black player to be drafted and play professionally in the Women's Basketball League.
These two women epitomize everything that is good about the game of basketball and St. John's University," said Senior Deputy Athletics Director and Senior Women's Administrator Kathy Meehan. "Their passion and work ethic paved the way for future players to follow. We can't thank them enough for their outstanding contributions to the women's basketball program."
McCray, a Bronx native, made history right when she arrived at St. John's, becoming the first-ever African-American woman to earn an athletic scholarship. In 1975-76, she made an instant impact on the defensive end, as the team's leader in blocked shots as a freshman. Over the course of her career, the forward played in 80 total games, tallying 317 points and 323 rebounds.
Fletcher, brought the program to new heights, as she was drafted professionally to the New York Stars of the Women's Basketball league, following two successful years playing in Queens. Her rise into the professional ranks made her the first ever Puerto Rican-Black player to be drafted and play professionally coming out of St. John's. The forward played two seasons with St. John's from 1976-78. In her final year, the Queens native, led the team averaging 8.4 boards and finished the 1977-78 season scoring in double-figures with 10.8 points per game. Following that year, she earned the Victoria Porter Team MVP Award.
Saturday's contest against DePaul is scheduled to tip at 4 p.m. from Carnesecca Arena.
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