A historic moment unfolded at Detroit Edison Public School Academy (DEPSA) as they honored WNBA star Rickea Jackson by retiring her jersey – a testament to her incredible journey and lasting impact.
This momentous occasion, held during halftime of a women's varsity basketball game against Grosse Pointe South on Tuesday, December 23rd, at the DEPSA gymnasium (3403 St. Aubin St.), celebrated Jackson's extraordinary achievements. The event, aptly themed "Celebrating Excellence, Legacy, and Inspiration," paid tribute to Jackson's remarkable high school career, where she led DEPSA to an unprecedented three consecutive Michigan High School Athletic Association Class C state championships. She was also crowned Michigan’s Miss Basketball in 2019, solidifying her status as a true basketball icon.
Jackson's No. 5 jersey now hangs proudly as the first ever retired by the school's girls basketball program, a fitting tribute to a player once hailed as "the greatest girls basketball player in Michigan ever." Her path from DEPSA to the professional stage is nothing short of inspirational.
After dominating at Mississippi State and Tennessee, where she earned two First-Team All-SEC selections, Jackson was drafted fourth overall by the Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft. This made her the first Michigan charter school alumnus to reach the WNBA – a groundbreaking achievement.
And this is the part most people miss... Her impact in the league has been immediate and undeniable. As a 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team member, she averaged an impressive 13.4 points per game. Jackson also made history as the first player from her celebrated 2024 draft class to score 1,000 career points and the first WNBA player to sign an endorsement deal with Skechers.
Monique Brown, Jackson’s former coach at DEPSA, who also spoke at Jackson’s draft watch party in 2024, shared her heartfelt sentiments: "Coaching Rickea was witnessing greatness in the making. Her unmatched work ethic was evident every single day. To see her grow from a state champion here at Edison into a role model on the national stage is my greatest point of pride as a coach. This retirement isn’t just about basketball; it’s about inspiring the next generation of young women at our school to dream just as big.”
Do you think this honor is a fitting tribute to Rickea Jackson's accomplishments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
