The 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame ceremony will welcome two Georgia legends, Teresa Edwards and Katrina McClain, as part of a special tribute to the 1996 U.S. Women's Olympic Team. Their selection underscores a milestone: the 30th anniversary of the team's gold‑medal performance at the Atlanta Games, a moment that still resonates through the sport.
A milestone in Olympic memory
On August 4, 1996, the United States faced Brazil in a decisive match that ended 111‑87 in favor of the Americans. Edwards and McClain were integral to that victory, helping the squad close the tournament with a dominant win that capped a historic run. The game remains a reference point for excellence in women's basketball.
College roots at Georgia
Both players honed their craft under Coach Andy Landers at the University of Georgia from 1982 to 1987. During those years the Lady Bulldogs reached the Final Four in 1983 and 1985, laying the groundwork for a dynasty that would later dominate international competition. Their collegiate performances earned them All‑American honors and set new scoring benchmarks.
Scoring legends
Teresa Edwards sits sixth on Georgia's all‑time scoring list with 1,989 points, while Katrina McClain ranks third with 2,195 points. Their offensive output placed them among the most prolific scorers in program history, a testament to their skill, consistency, and longevity.
Hall of Fame lineage
Edwards and McClain are not newcomers to hall‑of‑fame recognition. Edwards entered the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2011, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010, the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2009, and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2013. McClain was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2012 and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Their cumulative accolades reflect a career that spans playing, coaching, and ambassadorial roles.
The upcoming 2026 ceremony will not only celebrate their individual achievements but also highlight the broader legacy of the 1996 Olympic team, a group that transformed public perception of women's basketball and inspired a generation of players. Their stories continue to shape the narrative of the sport, linking past triumphs with future aspirations.