Background
Nolan, Deanna Nicole was born on August 25, 1979 in Flint, Michigan, United States. Daughter of Virginia Nolan and Phillip Murphy.
Nolan, Deanna Nicole was born on August 25, 1979 in Flint, Michigan, United States. Daughter of Virginia Nolan and Phillip Murphy.
Nolan attended where she led her team to back to back Michigan state championships in 1994 and 1995, and was crowned as Michigan"s 1995 Mission Basketball.
Nolan graduated in December 2001 with a degree in child and family development from the University of Georgia. Overall she helped the Lady Bulldogs achieve an 86–12 record overall during her collegiate career.
As a senior, Nolan earned 2001 All-Securities and Exchange Commission Tournament Team honors.
Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position. Her original name was Deana, but was legally changed to Deanna in 2000. She has two older brothers Omar and Chris and one older sister Lekia.
In the 2001 Women's National Basketball Association Draft, Nolan was selected by the Detroit Shock in the first round (sixth overall).
She has been nicknamed "Tweety", and is well known by fans for her amazing vertical leap. In the 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2012-2013 Women's National Basketball Association off seasons, she played for the UMMC Ekaterinburg club in Russia.
She obtained a Russian passport in order to not count against the team"s allowed number of foreign players. She stated during 2008 that she hoped to play for the Russian Olympic team, but was passed over in favor of Becky Hammon.