A Milestone in Coaching Excellence
Rick Insell, the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee State University women's basketball history, has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award. The honor underscores his transformative influence on the game and his role in paving the way for future generations of female athletes.
Over a 21‑year tenure at MTSU, Insell compiled a career record of 505 victories, the most in program history, and guided the Blue Raiders to 21 consecutive postseason appearances. His teams captured numerous conference titles and delivered 12 NCAA Tournament bids, cementing his status among the sport’s all‑time greats.
A Legacy Beyond the Wins
Beyond the numbers, Insell’s impact is reflected in his induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and his continued mentorship of players who credit him with shaping their professional and personal development. His career also marks a rare distinction: he is the first basketball coach to achieve 500 Division I wins at both the high school and college levels.
The award ceremony will take place on July 11 at the Omni Nashville Hotel, where the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame will present its 2026 Achievement Awards. The event promises to bring together leaders from the sport, alumni, and fans to celebrate Insell’s contributions and the broader evolution of women's basketball.
Middle Tennessee State University, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame will all play prominent roles in the festivities, highlighting the interconnectedness of academic institutions, historic halls, and community organizations in advancing the sport’s legacy.