The Duke women’s basketball program announced Monday it will retire Elizabeth Williams’ No. 1 jersey at halftime of the Blue Devils’ December 29 game against Kentucky at 7 p.m. in Cameron Indoor Stadium.
Williams completed her incredible career at Duke in 2015, graduating as a four-time All-America selection and the first player in ACC history to total over 1,900 points, 1,000 rebounds and 400 blocks for her career. She will become just the third player in Duke women’s basketball history to have her jersey retired, joining Alana Beard (#20) and Lindsey Harding (#10).
Williams went on to be the fourth overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft by the Connecticut Sun but in 2016 was traded to the Atlanta Dream for the fourth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft. This past year for the Atlanta Dream she was named the 2016 WNBA Most Improved Player after leading the team in rebounding and blocks.
“I believe that any student-athlete, former or present, would affirm that one of the most rewarding aspects of being a student-athlete is in the relationships that we develop,” Williams said. “My time at Duke was so valuable. The people are so valuable. I am forever grateful to this institution and all who have supported me within it.
“For me to sit here and say that my jersey is going to be retired is so surreal. It’s really difficult to put into words what it will mean to have my jersey hanging in the rafters among Duke basketball legends. The credit goes to every single teammate, staff member and coach that I encountered in my four-year career. This may be a basketball achievement, but its meaning extends far beyond the lines of a court. From the nine-year old awkward basketball player to the young woman in her second year of professional basketball, I thank any and every one that made my dreams possible and led me to this moment.”
Click here to see Elizabeth Williams’ Duke Highlights: bit.ly/2gJeOTN
The Dream will tip off its historic 10th season at its new home, McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Tech campus, on Sunday, May 21 against the visiting Chicago Sky. View the entire 2017 schedule here.
Fans can purchase the Atlanta Dream 10th Season Flex Pack by clicking here or calling 877.977.7729.
The Dream will play its home games in McCamish Pavilion on the Georgia Tech campus in 2017. Atlanta has qualified for the playoffs seven times, winning conference titles in 2013, 2011 and 2010.
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