Former LSU Women’s Basketball Star Danielle Ballard Dies in Tragic Accident
By M.A. Voepel |ESPN.com | Jul 13, 2023
Memphis, Tennessee – In a devastating incident, former LSU women’s basketball standout Danielle Ballard lost her life after being struck by a car on Thursday morning. The University has since confirmed the tragic news, leaving the basketball community shocked and saddened.
At just 29 years old, Ballard, a native of Memphis, was a pedestrian at the time of the accident. The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident remained at the scene, and local authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
Ballard, a 5-foot-9 guard, left an indelible mark on LSU’s basketball program during her college career. In 2015, she was named to the all-Southeastern Conference (SEC) first team, showcasing her exceptional skills on the court. Her talents were further highlighted during her sophomore year in 2014 when she led the LSU Tigers to the NCAA Sweet 16, averaging an impressive 23.3 points and 12.3 rebounds in three tournament games.
Noted for her defensive prowess, Ballard earned SEC all-defensive team honors both as a freshman and a junior. Overall, she delivered remarkable performances, averaging 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 steals throughout her three seasons with the Tigers.
However, Ballard’s collegiate journey faced challenges as she was suspended by the program during parts of her sophomore and junior years. As a result, she chose not to return for her senior season at LSU.
Before making her mark at LSU, Ballard achieved success at Memphis Central High School, where she captured a state championship. Her outstanding talent caught the attention of scouts, ranking her as the No. 25 overall recruit in the Class of 2012, according to ESPN HoopGurlz.
News of Ballard’s untimely demise has sent shockwaves throughout the basketball community, with players, coaches, and fans mourning the loss of a talented athlete with a promising future. Her contributions to LSU’s program, both on and off the court, will not be forgotten.
As the investigation into the accident continues, our thoughts and condolences go out to Danielle Ballard’s family, friends, and the entire LSU community, as they navigate through this unimaginable tragedy.