It is with deep sorrow that we remember Doris Draving, a pioneering athlete, beloved teammate, and cherished member of the Women’s Basketball League (WBL) and the Legends of the Ball family. Doris passed away on August 1, 2025, in California, following a brief but courageous battle with cancer [1].

Doris’s athletic journey was marked by brilliance and resilience. From her days as a standout at Bishop McDevitt High School, where she was named Female Athlete of the Year in 1972–73, to her record-setting performance at East Stroudsburg University, Doris left an indelible mark on every court she graced. Her 44-point game against Queen’s College remains a testament to her skill and determination.

As a professional, Doris played for the San Francisco Pioneers in the WBL, where her grace and speed earned her the nickname “gazelle.” She competed in an era when women’s sports lacked the support and visibility they deserved—but Doris never let that dim her light.

Her teammates remember her not just for her talent, but for her spirit:

“Doris had this quiet fire. She didn’t need to say much—her game spoke volumes. But off the court, she was the one who always had your back.” — Former WBL teammate

“She made you believe in yourself. Doris was the kind of leader who lifted everyone around her. I wouldn’t be who I am today without her.” — WBL teammate and lifelong friend

“Even when we were exhausted, Doris would crack a joke or flash that smile. She reminded us why we loved the game.” — San Francisco Pioneers teammate

After her playing career, Doris continued to inspire as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, touching countless lives at Albuquerque Academy and Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. She often said that caring for her mother for 27 years was her greatest honor—a reflection of her deep compassion and strength.

Doris was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2018 and the Bishop McDevitt Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022, honors that only begin to capture her impact [1].

We at Legends of the Ball, Inc. celebrate Doris Draving not only as a phenomenal athlete but as a woman of integrity, warmth, and unwavering dedication. Her legacy lives on in every player she inspired and every life she touched.

Rest in power, Doris. You will always be a Legend of the Ball.

References

[1] McDevitt Athletic Hall of Famer Doris Draving Dies of Cancer