A class that reshapes the game
Knoxville will host the induction ceremony for the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, where Cheryl Reeve becomes only the second coach from the WNBA to receive this honor. The announcement underscores a career that has redefined excellence on the sidelines.
Reeve's résumé reads like a chronicle of triumph: four WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx, a record of sustained dominance, and the recent guidance of the U.S. women's Olympic team to an eighth consecutive gold medal at the Paris Games. Her impact stretches beyond trophies, shaping a generation of players and coaches who view her as a benchmark for strategic acumen and leadership.
The 2024 class also welcomes Elena Delle Donne and Candace Parker, two of the most celebrated players in modern women's basketball. Delle Donne, a two‑time MVP who led the Washington Mystics to their lone championship, and Parker, the only player to earn both MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season while capturing three titles with three different franchises, will be honored for their on‑court brilliance and off‑court influence.
Pioneers and trailblazers
The induction list extends to Doris Burke, the first woman to serve as a TV analyst for the NBA Finals, and to international stars Amaya Valdemoro, a three‑time WNBA champion with the Houston Comets, and Isabelle Fijalkowski, a five‑time French League titleholder. Their stories illustrate the global reach of the sport and the diverse pathways to greatness.
Also recognized are Kim Muhl, who amassed 1,108 wins and nine national championships at Kirkwood Community College, and Barbara Kennedy‑Dixon, Clemson University's all‑time leading scorer and rebounder. Their contributions to college basketball underscore the depth of talent that feeds the professional ranks.
The ceremony will be held in partnership with the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and several WNBA franchises, including the Minnesota Lynx, Washington Mystics, Dallas Wings, Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces. Academic institutions such as the University of Tennessee, University of Delaware, Providence College, Kirkwood Community College, and Clemson University will also be represented, highlighting the sport's intertwined relationship with education and community development.