Dec. 12, 2005
by Scott MacDonald – After roaming the flats at Georgia Tech, Kisha Ford now roams the streets of Atlanta, Ga., as a police officer. Ford, the all-time leading scorer at Tech with 1,955 points, now enjoys keeping the streets of Atlanta safe, rather than stealing from others on the hardwood.
“I knew that I didn’t want to work in an office,” said Ford. “I wanted to do something outdoors that provided new adventures for me, and that’s exactly what I get being an Atlanta Police Officer.”
Ford was a four-year letterwinner at Tech from 1994-97. During that span, she averaged 17.9 points per game per season, grabbed 871 rebounds (3rd most in school history) and had 278 steals. For her efforts, Ford garnered All-America honors and was named to the Atlantic Coast Conference’s 50th Anniversary team.
“It was a tremendous honor,” said Ford. “To be thought of in such a high regard, with the player’s that I played against and the ones that came after I was done, is a pretty distinguishing honor.”
When asked about still being Tech’s all-time leading scorer, Ford admits that it was one of her greatest achievements.
“It ranks pretty high,” said Ford. “When you look at the record book and still see your name at the top, it’s sometimes overwhelming. You think of all the talented players that have came and gone to Georgia Tech and it really puts things into perspective. That achievement is probably second to playing the WNBA.”
This season, the ACC is going to honor the women’s basketball legends at the 2006 ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament, and again, Ford in on the list.
“It’s another surprise,” said Ford. “I mean when you sit down and think about how many great players there were and are in the ACC, you can’t help but be honored.”
After her playing days at Georgia Tech, Ford became the first ever Tech women’s athlete to turn professional. She was selected in the WNBA draft by the New York Liberty. She played for the Liberty from 1997-98, and again, displayed her leadership as she helped lead the team to the WNBA Championship in her rookie season.
“That was probably the most special memory from the WNBA,” said Ford. “It was a great achievement and allowed me to play against Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie and Cynthia Cooper, to name a few.”
Ford also played for the Orlando Miracle (1999) and Miami Sol (2000-01).
“I always carry with me the memories of playing with some great teammates,” said Ford. “I had some great teammates including Teresa Weatherspoon and Vickie Johnson.”
When Ford finished her professional basketball career, she joined the Atlanta Police force. She has been a police officer for four years and enjoys helping other people.
“It’s nice when you get a chance to make a difference in somebody’s life,” said Ford. “If you save their life, or help a person out of a bad situation, it really makes you understand and enjoy what you are doing on a regular basis.”
She works in a small unit in the police department and appreciates the comradery that she has been able to form in the department, just like the ones forged on the basketball court.
“We all know each other and I’m the only female in the unit,” said Ford. “It’s great and it makes going to work all that easier.”
