HBCU women’s hoops legend gets name on Philadelphia street

Yolanda Laney’s legacy in women’s basketball was celebrated on September 6, 2024, with a special ceremony in Philadelphia, her hometown, where a street was officially named in her honor. The new “Yolanda Laney – Basketball Way” pays tribute to her remarkable career as a player and coach, as well as her lasting impact on the sport, particularly for athletes from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

Laney’s achievements on the court are legendary. As a standout player at Cheyney University, she became the only athlete from an HBCU to earn All-American honors in women’s basketball. In 1982, she led the Cheyney Lady Wolves to the NCAA Division I Final Four, a feat that no other HBCU women’s basketball team has replicated. Under coach C. Vivian Stringer, Laney’s leadership and skill were unmatched, earning her the title of Most Outstanding Player of the East Regional.

Her impact has been recognized by many, including South Carolina head coach and fellow Philadelphia native Dawn Staley. Earlier this year, Staley wore a vintage Cheyney State jerse y during an NCAA tournament game, paying tribute to Laney’s 1982 team and acknowledging the trail they blazed for women’s basketball, particularly for Black athletes.

At the street naming ceremony, family, friends, and community leaders gathered to honor Laney’s achievements and recognize the significance of her legacy. Laney’s influence extended far beyond basketball. After her time at Cheyney, she earned a law degree from Rutgers and became a practicing attorney, later serving as Atlantic City’s chief municipal public defender. But her passion for the game never left. Laney returned to her HBCU, Cheyney University as a coach, guiding the next generation of athletes at the same institution where her legacy began.

The street naming, accompanied by the heartfelt ceremony, honors not only her basketball achievements but also her broader contributions to her community and public service. “It’s a great honor to be recognized in this way,” Laney said during the event. “I hope this street becomes a symbol of what’s possible for young girls who love basketball and dream big.”

Yolanda Laney’s story continues to inspire, and her name on a street in Philadelphia serves as a lasting reminder of her contributions to both HBCU athletics and the broader community.

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