By: Darryl Jacobs ESPN & CBS Sports Networks Analyst/Commentator
Before Caitlin Clark was rewriting record books, before Dawn Staley became a household name, there was Debra Walker—a Detroit powerhouse who left her mark on the game long before women’s basketball had the national spotlight it commands today. From dropping 63 points in a single high school game without a three-point line, to anchoring Cheyney University’s historic run to the first ever NCAA Women’s Championship game in 1982 —the only
HBCU ever to reach that stage—Walker’s journey is both a Detroit story and an American one.
Today, women’s basketball is experiencing a golden era—record-breaking crowds, multimillion-dollar contracts, and primetime coverage. However, none of this would be possible without players like Walker, who helped pave the way. Her relentless work ethic, her leadership under legendary coach C. Vivian Stringer, and her ability to thrive despite limited resources set the stage for growth and respect the women’s game now enjoys.
More than four decades later, her name still carries weight in gyms, neighborhoods, and among those who understand just how vital her generation was in laying the foundation for today’s stars. And now, as part of the Michigan Chronicle’s “Where Are They Now” series, we catch up with Debra Walker to reflect on the legacy, lessons, and lasting pride of a trailblazer whose story demands to be remembered.
JACOBS: Where were you born and raised?
WALKER: I was born on the North End section of the city—1009 East Euclid to be exact. At the age of 5, my parents moved to the Conant Garden section of the city. Detroit is still home for me.
JACOBS: Discuss some of your biggest influences growing up.
WALKER: My parents were the most significant influence on me. They had raised 13 children, plus half of the neighborhood. They instilled in us the values of hard work, perseverance, and respect for others. They gave us all the blueprint for success in life. My brothers and sisters had a significant influence on me. My Village was vital in everything that I did. Cynthia Goodlow, Virginia Lawrence, Dot Felder, Eric Money, Anthony “Disco” Williamson, and Pierce Berry were all special to me.
JACOBS: You attended Detroit Mumford High School. Why did you choose to attend?
WALKER: I was a mischievous teenager. I started at Detroit Pershing. I got caught one time too many in the hallway and was put out. My best friend, Michelle Grier, was at Mumford. It didn’t take much convincing for me to enroll at Mumford.
JACOBS: The 1978 Detroit Mumford vs. Detroit Central game is still remembered today as a pivotal moment in Detroit’s high school basketball history. What do you recall about that matchup and the overall Competition in Detroit high school basketball during that era?
WALKER: That was a game where I was in that zone. I remember getting quite a few rebounds, but scoring 63 points in one game without a 3-point line is remarkable. It was a game that etched its place in the history of Detroit high school basketball. The Competition was very competitive throughout the city. Playing and winning the city championship gave you bragging rights for the year.
JACOBS: Averaging 25 points, 19 rebounds, and eight assists as a senior is remarkable. What drove you to compete at such a high level, and who influenced your game the most in Detroit?
WALKER: The Williams Sisters from Northeastern High School, Lisa Blackburn, Michelle Grier, and my Godfather, Kevin Porter, were more than just influential figures in my life. They were instrumental in shaping my game. Their guidance and mentorship, combined with countless hours of practice, laid the foundation for my success. Michelle and I would travel to the city 6 days a week to hoop. The Brewsters, Tindal, Lasky, Lipke, East Side Center, and Considine were out at the playgrounds. We were always on the same team; we might have lost once in three years.
JACOBS: Detroit was one of the best basketball cities in the country during the 1970s. Who were some of the best players you competed against in high school?
WALKER: Bonnie Cannon, Veronica “Boo” Ruff (Highland Park), Lisa Blackburn (Detroit Pershing), Tammy Polk (Detroit Kettering), Carolyn Wright (Pontiac Central)
JACOBS: What ultimately made you choose Cheyney University, and how did the culture of an HBCU prepare you both on and off the court?
WALKER: C. Vivian Stringer, I had a phone conversation with her, and I was sold. We didn’t talk much about basketball. It was more about earning my degree and achieving success in life. She did say that if I came to Cheyney, I would have the opportunity to be a part of something special. My parents spoke with her on the same day, and they said that Cheyney State is the place for you. The HBCU experience is one that, if I had to make my choice again, I would choose Cheyney. Some of the greatest people on this earth attended Cheyney during my time there. The professors pushed you past your limits. Being good wasn’t good enough. They made sure that you were prepared for the real world. The student body was second to none. Young people from all over the world come together to support one another in their pursuit of a degree. We had the most incredible fans. Our fan base was the Dukies (Duke University Fans) before they became popular.
JACOBS: During your time at Cheyney, the team competed against the nation’s top programs. What was one of your most memorable games or performances in college?
WALKER: One of the most memorable games was against Rutgers at home. Cope held roughly 3000 people. We had a bitter rivalry at the time. Standing room only, and the football team is in the corner rocking that, Jawn. The game is close, with the score fluctuating back and forth throughout. The game is tied, or we are down by one with about 10 seconds to go; we have the ball, so we take a timeout. With no time on the clock, Val Walker, our star player, hits a long jumper from the left side, top of the key. The ball sails through the air, and with a perfect swish, it lands in the net. The crowd goes wild, and Rutgers goes down in defeat.
JACOBS: In 1982, Cheyney made history by reaching the first-ever NCAA Women’s Championship Game against Louisiana Tech. It was a significant moment as Cheyney remains the only HBCU to play in the title game. What was it like to be part of that transition from AIAW to NCAA, and how did you and your teammates embrace the moment?
WALKER: The transition was smooth because Cheyney was invited to the tournament when the AIAW was the governing body. When the NCAA took over, we focused on winning the National Championship. Coach Vivian Stringer is recognized as one of the greatest coaches in the history of women’s basketball.
JACOBS: What was it like to play under her leadership, and how did she influence your approach to basketball and life?
WALKER: Coach Stringer is my GOAT! She was an extension of my parents who taught me about life and the expectations of being a great person as well as an athlete. She filled the gap where my parents left off. Every day at practice, we got a life lesson before we got basketball lessons. The love and respect were mutual. She knew the game and would not accept good or average. We had to be great because the cards were stacked against us. We felt disrespected on many levels and faced racism on numerous occasions. Not only did we have one Naismith Hall of Famer. We had two: John Chaney was the men’s coach. We did everything together; we ran the same plays and employed the same defense. Since we didn’t have practice players, we played against each other during our practice sessions. Significant life experiences and basketball were second to none. Blessed to have been coached by this living legend. We created a bond on day one, and we promised each other that when the ball stopped bouncing, we would be here for each other. Promise Kept. Coach Stringer’s influence on my life and career is immeasurable.
JACOBS: Representing an HBCU on the national stage was a groundbreaking achievement. What unique challenges — and sources of pride — came with that experience?
WALKER: I remember winning the Elite Eight game that sent us to the Final Four. As the clock was about to expire, our AD went into shock. He said, “Oh no, they are going to win.” He knew that the school didn’t have the money to get to the final four. Discussing a challenge, but where there’s a will, there’s a way. After losing in the championship game, we got on the bus and took the ride back to campus. There were 2,500 – 3,000 students on campus. When the bus turned onto campus, every student was either on the side of the road or hanging out from the different dormitories. They were cheering, clapping, and waving banners. At that moment, we realized how proud we had made our student body, faculty, and staff. That was a Sunday night, and it was close to midnight. We partied until about 4:00 a.m. In the days to come, the community around Cheyney welcomed us. The first HBCU played in the first-ever Women’s NCAA National Championship game. There will never be a prouder moment. Looking back, that historic run was bigger than any of us could have imagined.
JACOBS: The 1981–82 Cheyney team is now widely celebrated as trailblazers — what was your role on that squad (on-court position, leadership role), and do you remember the moment the team realized it could make a deep national run?
WALKER: We knew coming into the season that we had something special. We had nine high school All-Americans. I was the starting power forward as well as one of the captains. My role was to control the boards and protect the paint. Occasionally, I was allowed to score. I ended my college career with over 1,000 rebounds and points.
JACOBS: The early 1980s were a time of change. The AIAW gave way to the NCAA in the 1981–82 season. From a player’s perspective, how did that transition affect your season, tournament experience, media exposure, travel, or sense of opportunity?
WALKER: There was no effect on us. We played in the AIAW tournament the previous year. Neither took us seriously. In 1980-1981, we were the higher seed and got shipped to California. In 1981-1982, we were on a mission. They could not deny us. They didn’t expect us to go as far as we did. In 1982-1983, we were the number one seed and had to go on the road to play.
JACOBS: You were inducted into the American Basketball Hall of Fame. What does that recognition mean to you?
WALKER: Humbling experience, honored to be a part of something so sacred. Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined going into a Hall of Fame. It’s always good to get flowers before the dirt.
JACOBS: Looking at today’s women’s game, how would you compare it to the basketball you played, and the differences?
WALKER: Today’s game is overall more competitive among teams. The level of excellence is refreshing. The game is faster now. Seeing the growth in the game is rewarding.
JACOBS: What are you doing now?
WALKER: I am currently working as an expediter at the GWY Post Office here in downtown Detroit, winding down a 40-year postal career. Finally, giving myself what I’ve been giving others for most of my adult life unconditional love and grace. Looking forward to retirement in a year or two. I continue to mentor and encourage younger people.
