LaToya Thomas, Greenville’s very own “hometown hero”, prides herself in being involved in the community, especially with the youth. Thomas will soon make the winner of her raffle a lucky recipient as he or she will receive an autographed throwback jersey of hers. All proceeds for Thomas’ raffle will go towards youth recreational basketball teams in Greenville this season. Information on how to enter the LaToya Thomas raffle can be found on her social media pages.
Her twitter account is LaToya_Thomas@Franchise32.
Thomas is committed to encouraging and motivating the next generation of athletes that has aspirations of walking in her career footsteps. She says that “it is extremely important for the hometown heroes to reach back and get involved and show the kids in the community that if “I” can make it, so can YOU.”
She goes on to comment that it is also important for the local youngsters to know and get educated on who the people are that have lived the dream.
Recently, LaToya Thomas became the first female to have her jersey number retired at both of her alma maters – Greenville High School and Mississippi State University. Most of her accolades began during her high school career under the leadership of coach Burley Allen. Thomas earned numerous honors including Mississippi Player of the Year her junior and senior seasons, Parade All-American status her senior year, a standout dandy dozen throughout all of her years, and earned all-state honors.
Of her many high school achievements, Thomas admits that her most favorable was leading the Greenville Honeybees to a state championship which would be the team’s first time in the school’s history. Thomas later accepted a full ride scholarship to Mississippi State Women’s Basketball program where she continued to be synonymous with greatness.
Latoya is currently MSU’s career leader in points scored (2,981) and was a 4K Kodak All-American and a 2X SEC Player of the Year. LaToya went on to make history in her hometown of Greenville, Mississippi in 2003 as she became the first athlete to be selected as an overall No. 1 draft pick. Thomas was selected by the Cleveland Rockers. Thomas is eagerly looking forward to supporting the youth in the community in future events. The City of Greenville forever honors the legend.
