WNBA’s Lisa Leslie Opens New Court In Los Angeles

Just days after their Olympic victory, WNBA star Lisa Leslie and two of her Los Angeles Sparks teammates visited Morningside High School in Inglewood on Wednesday to present the students there with a new basketball court.

The trio were still wearing their gold medals and still jet-lagged from their trip home from China.

The floor of the court at the school - Leslie’s alma mater - was refurbished as part of the Toyota Rebound Project, a series of community service projects sponsored by Toyota, the NBA and the WNBA.

“This is all about Morningside High School, our youth and giving back,” Leslie, of the Los Angeles Sparks, said. “It’s not just about the gym - it’s bigger than that. Use this gym as a vehicle to get to where you want to go - college and continuing your education.”

WNBA alumna Jennifer Azzi told the kids to think about their futures.

“This is your place to dream,” Azzi told the young basketball players.

After the speeches, Leslie sank a layup to break in the new court. The Morningside basketball players then did drills.

The Toyota Rebound Project was launched in October of 2007 as a way to unite the NBA and WNBA Cares community service programs.

- Janna Brancolini, Daily Breeze.com