Fatima “TNT” Maddox, a prodigy of three-time Olympian Dawn Staley and the first female Harlem Globetrotter in 19 years, brings more than her dazzling ball skills to the Bay Area.
“She was incredibly poised, confident, focused and determined. She was much more than a basketball player,” said head of Hamlin School Wanda Hollins Greene, who recently welcomed Maddox and her fellow teammates to the all-girls school in San Francisco. “She was a role model of excellence for our girls, both athletically and professionally.”
Besides showcasing her basketball antics in front of thousands of fans, Maddox spread words of inspiration and encouragement to an abundance of youth during her weekend stay in the Bay Area from Jan. 14 to 16.
“I told young girls and boys that it starts with believing in yourself; that’s what I told myself a long time ago and I’ve stood by that. You have to be your number one supporter,” said Maddox.
Such passion for the community and the game of basketball can be traced back to Maddox’s journey to fame.
Born on December 12, 1983 in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Maddox experienced a late introduction to the game of basketball.
Maddox didn’t handle the rock until age 13, participating in pick-up games with guys at the local playground.
As Maddox continued to polish her basketball skills as a teenager, she excelled at other sports such as volleyball and track and field. Maddox set state records in both the high jump and triple jump as a senior in high school.
Despite this, Maddox’s skills on the court outweighed those on the gridiron, earning herself first-team all-league, all-state, and all-conference honors in four years at Mesa Ridge High School.
After averaging 17.8 points per game (PPG), 8.6 rebounds per game (RPG), 5.0 steals per game (SPG), and 3.9 assist per game (APG) her senior year, the five-foot six inch Maddox attended the University of New Mexico in the fall of 2003.
In two seasons at New Mexico, Maddox saw limited playing time as a role player off the bench.
Following the 2004-2005 season at New Mexico, a disgruntled Maddox transferred to Temple University where she grew as a basketball player and person under the guidance of Dawn Staley.
“Under Coach Staley you had to be very focused as an athlete and student,” said Fred Chmiel, a former assistant coach on Staley’s staff. “Fatima was a phenomenal athlete, but until she got to Temple she sort of lacked focus.”
However, after two seasons under Coach Staley’s watch, Maddox’s focus and determination went unquestioned.
Maddox earned Temple’s Sixth Woman Award and the Best Three-Point Shooter Award in her first season with the team.
Also, Maddox helped the Owls win an Atlantic 10 Tournament title in 2006 and contributed offensively in two NCAA Tournament appearances for Temple. She finished her career averaging 11.4 points per game.
In addition to becoming a key offensive threat on the court for the Owls, Maddox became heavily involved in public services off the court, participating in charitable events such as Christmas toy drives.
“Coach Staley was not only a role model for me through her amazing basketball credentials, but she showed me balance between being a player, taking care of family, and giving back to the community,” said Maddox in her profile on the Harlem Globetrotter’s website.
After graduating from Temple University, Maddox took her game overseas, where she starred for two seasons with the Norrkoping Dolphins in the Swedish league.
Upon her return to the United States, Maddox pondered her future as a professional basketball player. Through help from a wide network of friends, though, Maddox received an opportunity she couldn’t refuse.
“To be a professional basketball player has always been my goal, so when the Globetrotters called me and said they wanted me, I told myself that ‘I would take this chance.’ So whether it be the WNBA or the Globetrotters, I’m a professional basketball player now,” said Maddox, who was one of three woman at the tryouts in Philadelphia for the Globetrotters.
“I don’t think that there is a better fit for me than the Harlem Globetrotters because not only do I get to be a professional basketball player, but I get to visit a lot of schools, hospitals and play basketball. They encompass everything that I am about, so I’m very happy to be a Harlem Globetrotter,” Maddox added.
