Know About Former LSU Basketball Star Danielle Ballarda

Danielle Ballard (age 29, November 16, 1993 – July 13, 2023) was a talented basketball player known for her exceptional skills on the court. She gained prominence as a former LSU women’s basketball player and played a pivotal role in leading the Lady Tigers to success during the 2014-2015 season.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Ballard showcased her basketball skills at Central High School before graduating in 2012 and subsequently joining the LSU basketball program.

During her college career, Danielle garnered numerous accolades and honors for her outstanding performance on the court. In the 2014-2015 season, she led the LSU team to great success.

Recognizing her talent, the coaches named her to the 2014-15 All-SEC First Team and the Associated Press honored her with a spot on the All-SEC Second Team.

Her exceptional defensive skills earned her a place on the coaches’ All-SEC Defensive Team. Additionally, she was recognized as LSU’s Most Valuable Player for the 2014-15 season. In her freshman year, Ballard also received recognition by being named to the SEC All-Freshman Team in 2013.

Tragically, on July 13, 2023, Danielle Ballard’s life was cut short in a devastating accident. While in her hometown of Memphis, she was struck by a car near the FedEx Forum at 1:26 a.m. Emergency services rushed her to Regional One Hospital in critical condition, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The Memphis Police Department confirmed that the driver responsible for the accident remained at the scene, although no criminal charges were announced at the time. Ballard’s untimely passing deeply saddened the basketball community, which recognized her immense talent, achievements, and the impact she had on the sport.

Danielle Ballard’s Parents & Early Life

Danielle Yvette Ballard was born on November 16, 1993, to her mother, Blanche Ballard, and father, Danny Nolen, in Shelby County, Tennessee. She has three siblings named Danny, Darian, and Daniel.

During her time in high school, Danielle showcased her talent as a versatile guard and scorer, gaining recognition as one of the top players in the nation.

She was ranked as the No. 25 overall high school player in America by ESPN Hoop Gurlz and the No. 7 ranked guard. In her junior year, Danielle played a crucial role in leading Memphis Central to its first Class 3A state championship in 89 years.

She contributed greatly to the team’s success, averaging 13.0 points, 3.3 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. Memphis Central concluded the season with an impressive 29-9 record and secured the No. 11 national ranking in the ESPN Fab 50 poll in 2011.

Her exceptional skills and performances earned her an invitation to compete at the USA Basketball U17 Team Trials during the summer of 2011. Throughout her high school career, she was guided by coach Niki Bray, who played a pivotal role in her development as a basketball player.

After graduating from Memphis Central High School, Danielle went on to pursue her college education at Louisiana State University (LSU). Her impressive track record in high school set the stage for her continued success as she transitioned to the collegiate level.

Danielle Ballard’s Basketball Career at LSU

Danielle Ballard’s basketball career at LSU was nothing short of extraordinary. From her freshman season to her junior year, Ballard consistently showcased her exceptional skills and made significant contributions to the team’s success.

During her freshman season in 2012-13, Danielle burst onto the scene as one of the most prolific freshmen in LSU history. Starting in 28 out of 34 games, she shattered the school’s single-season steals record with an astonishing 100 steals.

Her defensive prowess was unmatched, and she became the first LSU player since 2000 to lead the SEC in steals. Ballard’s offensive abilities were equally impressive, as she averaged 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Her performance earned her multiple honors, including being named a third-team Freshman All-American by Full Court.

In her sophomore season (2013-14), Ballard continued to shine. Starting in 26 of 30 games, she displayed her versatility as a player. Averaging 10.7 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game, Ballard consistently made her presence felt on both ends of the court.

She provided crucial contributions in numerous games, including a game-winning layup against Michigan and a career-high tying 25-point performance against No. 5 Tennessee.

Despite missing the first 14 games of her junior season (2014-15) due to a violation of team rules, Danielle made a triumphant return and had a remarkable impact on the team.

Despite the suspension, she quickly regained her form and led the team with an average of 14.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.1 steals, and 2.9 assists per game. Ballard’s tenacious defense and scoring ability earned her All-SEC First-Team and All-SEC Defensive-Team honors.

Her performances were consistently outstanding, and she received multiple accolades throughout the season.

Noteworthy highlights include a 24-point game against Mississippi State, a career-high tying 25-point game against No. 10 Kentucky, and a remarkable performance against USF in the NCAA Tournament, where she recorded 17 points, seven rebounds, six steals, three assists, and two blocks.

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Danielle Ballard FAQs

Ques: At what age did Danielle Ballard die?

Ans: She was just 29 years old.

Ques: Who are Danielle Ballard’s parents?

Ans: Mother: Blanche Ballard, and father: Danny Nolen.

Ques: How tall was Danielle Ballard?

Ans: She was 5 feet 9 inches tall.

Ques: Who was LSU Danielle Ballard’s Boyfriend?

Ans: As per her Facebook bio, she was engaged.