Heidi Burge Horton, College and WNBA Standout, Dies at 54
Heidi Burge Horton, who played at Virginia and in the WNBA, died Monday at age 54. She helped Virginia reach three consecutive Final Fours and finish second nationally in 1991, then played for the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics. Her story with twin sister Heather inspired the Disney movie Double Teamed, and she later coached youth basketball in Houston through Hoops School.
Heidi Burge Horton, a former Virginia and WNBA forward, died Monday at 54. At Virginia, she averaged 8.9 points and 6.4 rebounds over four seasons, helping the Cavaliers reach three consecutive Final Fours from 1990 through 1992 and finish second nationally in 1991. Her college teammate Dawn Staley said the basketball community was heartbroken.
Horton and her twin, Heather, were the subjects of Disney Channel's Double Teamed, which focused on their Palos Verdes High School years. Horton played overseas before joining the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA's first season in 1997, then spent 1998 with Washington. A back injury ended her career; she later founded Hoops School in Houston to coach young players.
Horton's death may resonate most with former teammates, Virginia fans, WNBA followers, and young players who knew her through Hoops School. The Disney film about her and Heather could continue to introduce their story to new audiences, while her college and professional career may serve as a reminder of the early WNBA era. For families and girls in sports, her path from college standout to youth coach could underscore mentorship and opportunity.