Rebecca Lobo, the 1998 Hispanic Heritage Awards Honoree for Sports, opened the door for aspiring female basketball players across the United States. Her world-class athletic talent and career accomplishments predate and influenced the establishment of the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Rebecca’s talents lead to WNBA contracts with the New York Liberty, and later, the Houston Comets. Over her career, she helped the Women’s U.S. Olympic team win the Gold Medal in 1996, was on the All-WNBA Second Team in 1997 and played the first-ever WNBA All-Star game in 1999. Rebecca’s honors have included the 1995 NCAA Woman of the Year award, the Associated Press 1995 Athlete of the Year award and two ESPY awards in 1996 including Female Athlete of the Year. Her high school named a nearby street – Rebecca Lobo Way – for her.

Aside from being a world-class athlete, Rebecca is also a published author. In 1996, she co-wrote an autobiography with her mother, RuthAnn, The Home Team: Of Mothers, Daughters, and American Champions. The book explores their special relationship and RuthAnn’s battle with breast cancer. Rebecca has been very active in several organizations that support breast cancer research and awareness, and has been a spokesperson for General Motors' “Concept: Cure” initiative.

Today, Rebecca can be seen as a color analyst for NBA-TV’s WNBA games, and is also an announcer and commentator for college basketball – primarily the University of Connecticut, her alma mater. Continuing her commitment to community, she has toured as part of Dove’s 2006 Campaign for Real Beauty, speaking about perseverance, self-esteem and dedication.