Olympian, Debbie Miller-Palmore, has had an extraordinary career in basketball as a player, coach, consultant, and business owner.

Her passion for the sport began on playground courts in the Bronx, NY, which led her to play organized basketball in high school. During a time when basketball scholarships for women were unheard of, Debbie earned one to Boston University where she dominated over her four seasons with the Lady Terriers. Today, Debbie still holds many Boston University records in scoring, rebounding, steals, assists, and blocked shots. In 1980 while still in college, Debbie earned a spot on the 1980 US Women’s Olympic team. 

After graduating cum laude in 1981, Debbie went on to play professional basketball in Europe and South America and later helped to pioneer the American Basketball League before serving as the General Manager for the Atlanta Glory.

In 1992, in a full circle moment, Debbie founded Top of the Key with one goal in mind - to provide a place for metro Atlanta youth to come learn the fundamentals of the sport and develop a passion for playing basketball - just like she did on the playground in the Bronx. 

Notable Accomplishments

• 2x nominee for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (2020, 2024)

• Inductee, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2021)

• Inductee, Bronx Hall of Fame (2023)

• 1980 Olympian, U.S. Women’s Basketball Team 

• Honored by the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus for contributions to the community (2016)

• First woman from the modern era to be inducted into the Boston University Hall of Fame (1986) 

• Recipient, Scarlet Key (1981)

• 2x Recipient, Mildred Barnes Award (1980, 1981)

• Recipient, Gretchen Schuyler Award (1981)

• 2x All-American Recipient (1980, 1981)

• 2x Finalist for the Margaret Wade Trophy (1980, 1981)

Want to connect with Debbie directly? Email her at debbie@topofthekey.com. 

Play with H.E.A.R.T.

*Humility * Excellence *Appreciation *Responsibility  *Tenacity