About Me

Sylvia Crawley Spann hails from the vibrant North End of Steubenville, Ohio, where her journey into sports and leadership began. A multi-talented individual, Sylvia attended Steubenville "Big Red" High School, where she showcased her prowess in volleyball, basketball, track, and even lent her musical talents to the marching band as a clarinet player.

Her athletic excellence earned her a coveted full scholarship to the University of North Carolina, where she emerged as a basketball star. Serving as the Captain, Sylvia led the Tar Heels to a memorable National Championship victory in her senior year, earning the Coach's MVP accolade during the Final Four. Alongside her athletic achievements, Sylvia pursued academic success, graduating with a double major in Communications and Radio & TV Motion Pictures.

Embarking on her professional basketball career, Sylvia signed her first contract to play overseas in France, & ultimately competing in 16 different countries. Her talent and dedication also earned her spots on various USA Basketball teams, including the Jones Cup, Select Team, Pan American Games, and World University Games. Recognized as the USA Basketball Player of the Year in 1997, Sylvia's career reached its pinnacle when she became an Alternate for the '98 Olympic Games.

In the realm of women's basketball, Sylvia made history as a pioneering player in the American Basketball League (ABL), winning the inaugural women's Slam Dunk Contest with a jaw-dropping blindfolded dunk. She later transitioned to the WNBA, as the starting Center for Portland, Fire. When the Fire ceased operations, she was picked up in a dispersal draft to San Antonio Silver Stars. The Silver Starts relocated and Sylvia is now an alum of the World Champion the Las Vegas Aces.

Beyond her playing days, Sylvia's passion for basketball transcends into coaching, where she molds and inspires young hearts and minds. From her early assistant coaching roles at Fordham University to her tenure as the youngest DI Head Coach at Ohio University, Sylvia's leadership journey continued, breaking barriers as the first African American Head Coach in Boston College's history.

Off the court, Sylvia is a dynamic entrepreneur, serving as CEO of Crawley's Creation LLC, a fashion and interior design enterprise, and co-founder of Monarch Magazine, a nationally recognized publication. As a sought-after motivational speaker, Sylvia ignites leadership potential through her SLAM program, impacting corporations and students globally.

In her personal life, Sylvia finds strength and support in her marriage to Pastor Brian Spann, & alongside her parents, James and Marie Crawley, who remain her unwavering pillars of support. With her faith in God and the love of her family, Sylvia continues to believe in the power of determination, proving that with dedication, anything is possible. Let's warmly welcome Sylvia Crawley Spann, a true icon in sports and beyond.