Hall of Fame
Miriam Walker-Samuel is arguably the best women’s basketball player in the illustrious history of Claflin University. During her collegiate career, she led the Lady Panthers to becoming one of the best programs in the nation.
Walker-Samuel had a terrific career with the Lady Panthers, the team was regularly one of the top teams in the nation. She led the Lady Panthers to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship games. Along the way, she set nine NAIA records, including most points in a game (62 vs. Dillard in 1988), most points in a season (1,303 in 1989), and most points in a career (3.855 from 1987-90). She earned All-American honors three times during her illustrious career (1990, 1989, and 1988) and she was named MVP twice.
She followed up her tremendous playing career with an impressive professional career as well. She began with a successful high school career. She began at Keith High School in Orville, Alabama before moving on to Sylacauga High School where she led her team to the Class AAAA state championship. She returned to Claflin University to take the reins that were passed from her coach and mentor, the legendary Nelson Brownlee. During her time with the Lady Panthers, she led the team to consecutive national tournament appearances.
For her place in history, she has been honored several times. She was a 2009 inductee into the inaugural class of the Claflin University Athletics Hall of Fame and she was also inducted into the South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame in 2019.
