What Happened to Ann Meyers Drysdale?

Ann Meyers Drysdale, born Ann Elizabeth Meyers on March 26, 1955, in San Diego, California, carved out an unparalleled career marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements in basketball. Her journey began as a multi-sport high school athlete, becoming the first high school player ever selected for a U.S. National Team in 1974.

Her collegiate career at UCLA was historic; she was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship at any university and became the first four-time Kodak All-American in women's basketball from 1975 to 1978. In 1978, she made history again by recording the first quadruple-double in NCAA Division I basketball history, with 20 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists, and 10 steals. Meyers Drysdale led the UCLA Bruins to the AIAW National Championship in 1978 and graduated holding 12 of 13 school records.

Internationally, she earned a silver medal with the inaugural U.S. Women's Olympic Basketball Team at the 1976 Montreal Games and a gold medal at the 1975 Pan American Games. Professionally, she was the first overall pick in the Women's Basketball League (WBL) draft in 1978 and was named co-MVP in 1980 while playing for the New Jersey Gems. In a truly pioneering move, she became the first and only woman to sign a contract with an NBA team, the Indiana Pacers, in 1979, participating in their training camp.

Following her playing career, Meyers Drysdale transitioned into a highly successful broadcasting career, becoming the first woman to call an NBA game. She has worked as a sportscaster and analyst for major networks including ESPN, CBS, NBC, and Fox Network, covering various sports, including multiple Olympic Games and WNBA contests. Her executive career includes serving as General Manager for the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, a role she took on in 2007, contributing to three WNBA championships. She married Baseball Hall of Famer Don Drysdale in 1986, becoming the first married couple to be members of their respective sports' Halls of Fame, before his passing in 1993.

As of April 2026, Ann Meyers Drysdale remains a prominent and influential figure in sports. She continues in her executive role as Vice President for both the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury and is an active broadcast analyst for both teams. Her enduring impact is recognized through the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame's Ann Meyers Drysdale Award, which honors the top shooting guard in women's college basketball, with finalists for the 2026 award announced in March. In April 2026, she participated in discussions about the state of college sports at 'The AP Top 25 Fan Poll Experience' and served as an assistant coach in the 2026 Lilly Women's College All-Star Game, demonstrating her continued engagement and leadership in the sport.