Inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. In 2007, Pamela Kelly-Flowers was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Pam was married to Nathan Flowers Sr. for 23 years and they have two sons. Nathan Jr. and Johnathan.
AWARDS AND HONORS:
- 1981 – AIAW National Division I Championship Title finishing undefeated. (34 -0)
- 1982 – Winner of the Honda Award for Basketball
- 1982 – Broderick Award for most outstandPamela Kelly-Flowers
- AMPS: Your basketball career is such an inspiration to many of us who was there from the beginning and to those who became fans throughout your journey. It is such an honor to share some of your highlights with the readers of Amps Magazine. We celebrate your basketball career, your impact on women’s basketball and your professionalism in sports.
- THE ATHLETE:
- Pamela Kelly-Flowers is a former American women’s basketball player who attended Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA from 1978 to 1982. At 6’ tall, she was one of the most dominating post players in the history of women’s basketball. Pam led the Lady Techsters to two national championships during her tenure with Tech. She was named to the All-American team in 1980, 1981 and 1982 and became Tech’s only three time All American player. Pam won the 1982 Wade Trophy, an award presented annually to the best women’s basketball player in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. In 1984, Pam was enshrined as a charter member into the Louisiana Tech Athletic Hall of Fame with her #41 Jersey retired. In 1992, Pam was ining female college basketball player.
- 1982 – NCAA Women’s Division I Championship Title. (35-1)
INDIVIDUAL STATS:
- Scored 2,970 points
- Clutched 1,511 rebounds
- Career records of 143-10. The most wins ever over a four year period in the history of the Lady Techsters’ basketball program.
- Scored double figures in 140 of the 153 games played at Louisiana Tech; averaging 19.4 points and 9.8 rebounds per game.
- Still ranks No.1 in scoring, No. 1 in rebounding, No. 1 in field goals made (1,193), No. 1 in free throws made (593), No. 2 in scoring average (19.4) and No. 6 in steals (274) in the Lady Techsters’ record books.
THE INTERVIEW:
AMPS: Where were you born and raised?
Pam: I’m a native of Columbia, LA.
AMPS: Outside of basketball, did you participate in any other sports during High School?
Pam: I attended Caldwell Parish High School in Columbia, LA. Our sports program was very limited but I did participate in the Track and Field program throughout High School. I ran the hundred yard dash and the two hundred yard dash. I was also on the four hundred yard relay team, the eight hundred yard relay team and the long jump.
AMPS: How did you reconcile the two sports?
Pam: I knew that I could run fast and I felt that Track and Field would be a supporting strategy for basketball. It helped to improve my stamina, my agility and my strength. Basketball has always been my first love.
AMPS: At what age did you start playing basketball?
Pam: I don’t remember my exact age. I just remember always playing basketball. There was a hill in our community where all the kids would go to play basketball. Around the 6th grade, the guys wanted me to play on their team.
AMPS: When did you realize your talent for basketball?
Pam: I have always had a passion for and enjoyed playing basketball. My focus was being the best that I could be on the court. Basketball was very natural for me. I just played the game.
AMPS: How did you begin you college career at Louisiana Tech?
Pam: I was recruited by Louisiana Tech and was offered a full scholarship.
AMPS: What was your major in college?
Pam: My major was Physical Education with a minor in History.
AMPS: Who was you role model and why?
Pam: There are two teachers from my hometown that was always there for me. They are Yvonne McKeithen and Fannie Simmons. I wanted to be a Physical Ed teacher just like them. I spent a lot of time with them. They took an interest in me. They wanted me to succeed. They made sure I went where I needed to go for basketball.
Amps: How much time did you spend playing basketball or preparing for games?
Pam: Basketball was a way of life for me. Everything centered on practicing, weight and strength training or preparing for the next game.
AMPS: How do you feel about the many accolades that you have received and the impressive records that you have set?
Pam: It is a great honor to be recognized for any achievement in your field. I worked really hard but I didn’t take any of it for granted. I realized I could not have done this alone. I had great teammates and great coaches around me.
AMPS: I applaud you for giving recognition to your teammates and your coaches in attaining your individual, as well as your team successes. Why is this important for you to share with your fans and the Amps readers?
Pam: I have truly played with and against some of the best female athletes in the country. Coach Leon Barmore and Coach Sonja Hogg were the best coaches in the country. Without their contributions, I would not been able to achieve my success. Whether you are part of a team or in individual competition, no one person can thrive, grow or succeed alone. It does take a village. It is important to have a support system around you and to be part of a support system for others.
AMPS: Was your family part pf your support system?
Pam: My family and my whole community were very supportive and proud of me.
AMPS: Did you ever consider playing professional basketball?
Pam: The only opportunity to continue my basketball career was abroad and I did not want to play basketball overseas. At that time, The US did not have a Women’s National Basketball League. I coached for one year at Carroll High School in Monroe, La. After that, I got married and moved with my husband to Maryland. If I was making that decision today, I would pursue an overseas professional basketball career.
Amps: Your youngest son, Johnathan, is playing professional basketball in France. How do you feel about him being so far away from home?
Pam: I wish he was here playing in the NBA but I’m proud that he if following his dream. I’m happy for him.
AMPS: You have become a role model for many women athletes. What encouragement can you give them?
Pam: First and foremost, I would encourage anyone to follow their dream. Don’t get distracted by outside influences. It is going to be hard work but stay competitive. It will all pay off in the end.
