The Philadelphia Rage, were one of the eight original franchises of the American Basketball League (ABL), a women's professional basketball league. The franchise existed for just two-and-a-half seasons—1996-97 in Richmond, Virginia, 1997–98 and late 1998 in

Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania#Municipalities, largest city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the List of United States cities by population, sixth-largest city i ...

—the team produced many memorable moments for fans of women's basketball its highest level. The Rage were led by the 1996 US Olympic team point guard, Dawn Staley, and by the less heralded but equally energetic play of

Adrienne Goodson Adrienne Goodson (born October 19, 1966), also known as “Goodie” or “Goody”, is a former basketball player, a 6-foot forward noted for her exceptional rebounding ability, especially on the offensive glass. Her professional career in Brazi ...

, who shot like a guard and rebounded like a power forward. With power forward Taj McWilliams, the Rage had three players out of the ten named to the 1997 All-ABL First and Second teams—the most of any team. The Rage scored a PR coup by signing the great heptathlete and long jumper

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Jacqueline Joyner-Kersee (born March 3, 1962) is a retired American track and field athlete, ranked among the all-time greatest athletes in the heptathlon as well as long jump. She won three gold, one silver, and two bronze Olympic medals in tho ...

, probably the best-known player on any team, but the unofficial World's Greatest Female Athlete was more effective as a fan draw than she was on the court. Their initial draft choice was Lisa Leslie, but she opted to sign with the WNBA instead.

Richmond Rage Team Record

Even without Leslie, the Rage had a strong first season. Although their win–loss record was 21-19 a full 10 games behind the 31-9

Columbus Quest The Columbus Quest was a professional women's basketball franchise located in Columbus, Ohio in the now-defunct American Basketball League (ABL). They were one of the league's original eight teams that started play in 1996. In the league's b ...

, their record was good enough for second place in the Eastern Conference, and that was good enough to put them in the four-team playoffs. Matched in a best-of-three set against the top team in the Western Conference, the

Colorado Xplosion The Colorado Xplosion was the first women's professional basketball franchise in Colorado, an American Basketball League (ABL) team based in Denver. Playing from 1996 through 1998, the team produced many memorable moments for Colorado sports fan ...

, the Rage won two straight to advance to the finals against Columbus. In the best-of-five finals, the Rage jumped out to a 2-0 series lead, only to lose the last three games.

Philadelphia Rage Team Record

Despite fielding essentially the same team that went all the way to the finals, the relocated Philadelphia Rage did not do nearly as well in its second season, going just 13-31 and finishing fifth (dead last) in the East.

Last Season

Things were looking up for the Rage in season under new coach

Anne Donovan Anne Theresa Donovan (November 1, 1961 – June 13, 2018) was an American women's basketball player and coach. From 2013 to 2015, she was the head coach of the Connecticut Sun. In her playing career, Donovan won a national championship with Ol ...

. They got off to a 9-5 start when the league suddenly folded on December 22, 1998. Less than a month later, on January 18, 1999 Rage reserve guard Katrina Price died of a self-inflicted gunshot.

All-ABL Rage Players

Dawn Staley (All-ABL 1st Team 1996-1997)

(All-ABL 1st Team 1996-1997) Taj McWilliams (All-ABL 2nd Team 1996-1997) Dawn Staley (All-ABL 2nd Team 1997-1998)

(All-ABL 2nd Team 1997-1998)

References

{{reflist Basketball teams in Philadelphia Defunct basketball teams in Pennsylvania American Basketball League (1996–1998) teams Basketball teams established in 1996 Sports clubs disestablished in 1998 1997 establishments in Pennsylvania 1998 disestablishments in Pennsylvania Women's sports in Virginia Women's sports in Pennsylvania