LOS ANGELES, CA - Known for her poise, beauty, talent and athleticism, four-time Gold Medalist and WNBA Spark’s franchise player invites readers to travel with her as she describes her rise to excellence in the recently released thought-provoking book, Don’t Let The Lipstick Fool You: The Making of a Champion.
Considered one of the most dynamic, popular female basketball players in the world, she is a pioneer of the sport, having been a four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time MVP of the WNBA. Fans voted her slam-dunk, the first in WNBA history, as the “Greatest Moment” in the WNBA's first decade. This memoir, however, turns the spotlight onto her life off the court, where she has overcome adversity, despite tremendous odds that would be detrimental to most who endeavor to reach the height of a true champion.
Once seen as a gangly youngster who looked overgrown, and wore men’s pants because nothing in the girls’ department fit, Lisa is now viewed as a role model for young girls, who have purchased her L.A. Sparks Jersey (#9), propelling it to become the league’s top seller. The book is designed to speak to this audience; girls who need a strong, graceful role model, but also to women and athletes overcoming adversity, and to all the insecure ducklings who wonder if they can ever become a swan.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson, writes in the foreword that, “Lisa took a lot of pride in making herself into a great basketball player, but she was always able to maintain her femininity at the same time. That came across in the way that she spoke, the way she played on the court, and the way she dressed off the court.”
The book has been well received and promoted in the Los Angeles Times, The Daily News, Sister2Sister Magazine, The Acorn, The Ellen Show, Good Day LA, Tom Joyner Radio Show, KJLH-Guy Black Morning Talk Show, ESPN (First Take), Fox Sports Radio, KLAC AM (Lakers Station), and NPR New and Notes.
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Lisa brings a feminine touch to a sport that values toughness and aggression. Her femininity and grace has been captured through her success as a fashion model, having
signed with the Wilhelmina Model Agency in 1996 and appearing in fashion shows for
the Magic Johnson Foundation. Johnson adds that, “She shows women, both in sports and out of sports, that you can be a tremendous athlete and still remain a feminine woman.” Part basketball superstar, part fashion model, part girl-next-door, she wears lip-gloss and mascara when she plays and likes to wear high heels, even though she is 6’5” barefoot. Her off-the-court persona does not compromise her prowess on the courts, and advises her readers and fans to not “Let the Lipstick Fool You.”
In addition to her international exposure as a four-time Olympic Gold Medalist and WNBA superstar and author, Lisa is also an ESPN broadcaster of women’s college basketball, wife of former U.S. Air Force Captain and recent author, Michael Lockwood, mother to three precocious young daughters, as well as philanthropist and community activist. Moreover, she won her fourth consecutive Olympic Gold Medal in the 2008 Olympic Beijing Games.
Magic reminds us that “Lisa has reached a rare level of excellence, yet she remains a humble lady who, through all of her achievements, honors and accolades, has been able to live in the glare of the spotlight without ever once forgetting where she came from. She is the best player in the game today, but she is also the best person, woman, daughter, model and teammate”. Lisa is clearly a woman who has a rich story to share and hopes that her readers will enjoy the journey as they embrace, Don’t Let the Lipstick Fool You: The Making of a Champion.
Lisa Leslie is launching her 2009 speaking and book signing tour and is available to come to your city.
For additional information, interviews or appearances for Lisa Leslie, please contact Lynn Allen Jeter & Associates at (323) 933-8007 or via email at info@lynnallenjeter.com or at lajassoicates@yahoo.com.