Felisha Legette-Jack went from growing up in the shadow of Syracuse University, to being a staple on campus. On Sunday, the Nottingham product made history, becoming the first woman ever at Syracuse to have her jersey retired.
Felisha arrived at the Dome a little after 10 a.m. with her family. After arriving, she went up to “Club 44,” where dozens of her friends and former teammates came out wearing her number 33. There were photos from her playing days when she scored over 1,500 points and grabbed over 900 rebounds, but this day was so much bigger than numbers.
Today is the day! Felisha Legette-Jack will make history at SU when her jersey is lifted into the rafters at halftime of the women’s game. She is the first woman ever to have her number retired here, and she won’t be the last. @SPECNews1CNY pic.twitter.com/vaHTPB67rK
— Kate Callaway (@KateCallawayTV) November 14, 2021
It’s the 50th anniversary for women’s athletics at Syracuse, and the moment was long overdue. Before she stepped out onto the court, to her surprise, she was met by Derrick Coleman, Sherman Douglas and John Wallace. Then at halftime of the women’s game, the moment finally happened. The number 33, lifted to the top of the Dome along with a thunderous cheer from the crowd.
This was the first time a woman had her jersey pulleyed into the rafters, and it won’t be the last. Felisha was asked what went through her mind in that moment.
“When I saw it raised up, I just saw our community being lifted,” Legette-Jack said. “I saw a lot of young people’s dreams come true. I kept thinking this is so not about me, it’s for those who slightly hope so they can strongly hope. And they can mostly believe. A little person from 308 Oakwood Ave, Brick City, has come from that place to have her jersey retired. Anybody can become.”
