Former WNBA player Margo Dydek, who became famous for being the tallest active pro female basketball player in the world, has died Friday after suffering a heart attack a week ago. She was 37.
The Polish-born Dydek, the No. 1 draft pick in 1998, the WNBA's second season, suffered the heart attack on May 19 and was placed in a medically induced come in a Brisbane hospital. She was in the early stage in her pregnancy with her third child at that time.
Dydek, who was working as a coach for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League, collapsed at her home in Brisbane and was taken by ambulance to a hospital.
Dydek never regained consciousness, and passed away on May 27.
Famous for standing at 7-foot-2, Dydek was made the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 WNBA Draft by the Utah Starzz, which later became the San Antonio Silver Stars after relocating.
After playing for San Antonio from 2003-04, Dydek landed in Connecticut, where she suited up for the Sun for two seasons. She then signed up with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2008 following time away from basketball due to the birth of her first son.
With her imposing presence on court, Dydek went on to lead the WNBA in blocks nine times (1998–2003, 2005–07). In 2001, the Polish international player also led the league in defensive rebounds.
Dydek still holds the all-time record for most blocks in a WNBA career, with 877 blocks in 323 contests. She also ranks seventh all-time with 2,143 total rebounds.
Dydek relocated to Australia due to her husband’s work. She is survived by her husband, David, and two sons.
The Polish-born Dydek, the No. 1 draft pick in 1998, the WNBA's second season, suffered the heart attack on May 19 and was placed in a medically induced come in a Brisbane hospital. She was in the early stage in her pregnancy with her third child at that time.
Dydek, who was working as a coach for the Northside Wizards in the Queensland Basketball League, collapsed at her home in Brisbane and was taken by ambulance to a hospital.
Dydek never regained consciousness, and passed away on May 27.
Famous for standing at 7-foot-2, Dydek was made the No. 1 overall pick in the 1998 WNBA Draft by the Utah Starzz, which later became the San Antonio Silver Stars after relocating.
With her imposing presence on court, Dydek went on to lead the WNBA in blocks nine times (1998–2003, 2005–07). In 2001, the Polish international player also led the league in defensive rebounds.
Dydek still holds the all-time record for most blocks in a WNBA career, with 877 blocks in 323 contests. She also ranks seventh all-time with 2,143 total rebounds.
Dydek relocated to Australia due to her husband’s work. She is survived by her husband, David, and two sons.
