THE CHEF WHO DUNKED

Georgeann Wells Blackwell

Former Center for WVU Women’s Basketball, Owner of Tall Chicks CMK Smokehouse

SUPERPOWERS: GIVING BACK TO THE YOUTH AND SHARING KNOWLEDGE

It was 1984 when the dunk happened. Georgeann Wells Blackwell, a 6-foot-7-inch sophomore center from Columbus, Ohio, was playing for West Virginia University women’s basketball in a game against the University of Charleston just days before Christmas when she leapt toward the rim, slamming the mens’ regulation ball home to victory—and history. “It broke that barrier that lets these women do it now,” Wells Blackwell says. “I’m glad and happy to see it. We’re now playing above the rim, which is so exciting.”

After time spent playing internationally for several years, earning a degree in elementary and physical education, coaching her kids’ basketball teams, and watching them grow into bright and successful adults, Wells decided to act on an old dream of hers. She now runs her own catering business in Ohio, a grand departure from her days on the court. “I wanted to be a chef when I was little, to be honest. Mom always had us in the kitchen cooking,” she says. Tall Chicks CMK Smokehouse caters all types of events, from birthday parties to weddings to luncheons. “We also do a lot of volunteer meal prep for some of the churches and after school programs in the area,” she adds proudly. “I am just thankful and grateful to be able to give back. When I see people’s smiles on their faces after eating my food, when I can just give it to them—that is from me to them. I want them to enjoy it.” 

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