Anitra Blue

Anitra Blue, affectionately known as Nikki, is an accomplished basketball player from the United States, recognized for her dynamic play as a point guard. Born on March 29, 1984, in Bakersfield, California, she quickly made a name for herself on the court, showcasing her talents from a young age.

Early Career

Nikki attended West High School in Bakersfield, where her exceptional skills led her to be a four-time first-team All-Area selection. She dominated the competition, earning the title of All-Area Player of the Year three times and setting the CIF Central Section single-season scoring record in 2001. Her prowess on the court was further highlighted by her participation in the inaugural McDonald's All-America Game and the WBCA All-American Game.

College Highlights

After high school, Blue took her talents to UCLA, majoring in history while playing under coach Kathy Olivier. In her freshman season (2003-2004), she established herself as a force in the Pac-10 Conference, earning first-team all-conference honors and making history as only the second Bruin freshman to achieve this distinction. Over her college career, she consistently ranked among the team's leaders, finishing her sophomore year with impressive stats that included 148 assists and 89 steals, both ranking high in UCLA's all-time records.

During her junior year (2005-2006), Nikki continued to break records, becoming one of the few Bruins to surpass 1,300 points and 400 assists in her career. She showcased her ability to score and defend, ranking among the top players in the Pac-10 for points, assists, and steals. As she capped her college career, her transition to professional basketball seemed inevitable.

Professional Journey

Nikki's hard work paid off when she was selected as the 19th pick in the second round of the 2006 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. Beyond her playing career, she also serves as an assistant coach at UNLV during the off-season, demonstrating her commitment to the sport and the next generation of players. With her remarkable journey from high school star to professional athlete, Anitra Blue has left an indelible mark on the basketball landscape.