A historic class enters the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
The upcoming ceremony in Knoxville will welcome a distinguished group of pioneers who have defined eras of women's basketball, celebrating their contributions on and off the court.
Candace Parker, a dominant force in both college and professional play, led Tennessee to two national championships before forging a WNBA career that includes three titles and two MVP awards, and she is set to be honored at the Hall of Fame this summer.
Elena Delle Donne, a two‑time WNBA MVP and Olympic gold‑medalist, is celebrated for her scoring brilliance and leadership that helped elevate the sport globally.
Amaya Valdemoro, a key member of the Houston Comets' three‑peat championship run, and Isabelle Fijalkowski, the French national team’s all‑time leading scorer with 2,562 points, round out the class with international impact.
Trailblazers who reshaped the game
Cheryl Reeve’s four WNBA titles as a coach and Kim Muhl’s 37‑year tenure at Kirkwood Community College, where she amassed over a thousand victories, illustrate the depth of leadership that the Hall seeks to recognize.
Doris Burke’s transition from Big East analyst to ESPN’s first full‑time NBA commentator, and Barbara Kennedy‑Dixon’s long service as a player and administrator at Clemson, further underscore the diverse pathways that have shaped the game.
Both Parker and Delle Donne will also be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame later this summer, cementing a summer of double honors that highlights their lasting influence.