Prep Scene
Tamara Tee Moore, recognized as one of the best women’s basketball players in Minnesota history, will serve as an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics Summer League team in Las Vegas. The former Minneapolis North, University of Wisconsin, and WNBA standout recently announced the offer on her Facebook page.
“I am so proud to announce I have been offered the chance of a lifetime. I have officially been offered the chance to join the Boston Celtics as an assistant coach for the Summer League Team in Las Vegas this season.”
Moore, who coaches men’s basketball and softball at Mesabi Range Community College, also thanked those who believed in her. “This journey has been a blessing, and thank you to everyone who supported me. It’s just the first step, and I will soak it all in and learn as much as I can.”
Moore has taken plenty of first steps during her storied career in athletics. As a 5’10” guard she led Minneapolis North to its first Class AAA state championship game, finishing runner-up to Alexandria.
The following year she led Minneapolis North to its first Class AAA state girls basketball title while becoming the first African American to be named Ms. Basketball outright. (Mya Whitmore of Hill Murray was the first to win it in 1987 when it was awarded separately at the Class AA and Class A level.)
Moore was inducted into the University of Wisconsin Hall of Fame in 2017. She became the first Minnesotan to be drafted into the WNBA as the 15th overall pick by the Miami Sol in 2002.
When Moore was hired to coach at Mesabi Range in 2020, she became the first Black woman to lead a men’s college program. She is currently the only woman head coach of a collegiate men’s basketball team.
