When the United States needed one more win to take the Wightman Cup from Britain in 1961, Justina Bricka stepped up and got it. 

The Wightman Cup, women's version of the Davis Cup, pitted the United States against Great Britain, with national pride on the line. Bricka's victory was the decisive point. The cup came home. 

It was the kind of moment that defines a career. But it wasn't the only one. 

Bricka ranked in the U.S. top 10 in 1961, 1962, and 1964. She reached the singles quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 1965. In 1962, she partnered with Margaret Smith Court to reach the doubles finals at both the French and Italian championships. She won the National clay-court doubles title with fellow St. Louisan Carol Hanks, beating Billie Jean King and Karen Hantze Susman. She won the Irish National doubles title with Mary Ann Eisel in 1964. 

She partnered with Margaret Smith Court. She beat Billie Jean King. Justina Bricka belonged in that company because she was that good. 

(1990)