Daedra CHARLES

Daedra Charles played college basketball at the University of Tennessee. As a 6-3 center, she led the Lady Vols in scoring, rebounding, and blocked shots in both 1990 and 1991. She helped them to the 1989 NCAA title, and was an All-American in both 1990 and 1991, winning the Margaret Wade Trophy in 1991 as the outstanding player in women’s college basketball. Her #32 was retired by the University of Tennessee women’s program.

From 1991-96 Charles played professionally overseas, in France, Italy, Japan, and Turkey. In 1997 she was the eighth overall pick of the WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks. In addition to her 1992 Olympic appearance, Charles played at the 1994 World Championships, helping the USA to a bronze medal.

Charles went into coaching, starting at the University of Detroit, Mercy from 2003-06. She then was an assistant for two years at Auburn University. In 2008 she returned to her alma mater as an assistant coach, and then in 2010 as the team director of character development.