A night of legends in Knoxville
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville welcomed a distinguished class this week, honoring a trio of trailblazers whose careers have reshaped the game.
Candace Parker, who led Tennessee to two national championships and amassed three WNBA titles and two MVP awards, took the stage to reflect on the mentors and teammates who paved her path.
Elena Delle Donne, a three‑time Colonial Athletic Conference Player of the Year and two‑time WNBA MVP, announced her decision to play close to home at the University of Delaware, a choice that has inspired many young athletes.
The ceremony also celebrated Amaya Valdemoro’s role in the Houston Comets’ three‑peat of WNBA titles, Isabelle Fijalkowski’s record‑setting 2,562 points for the French national team, and Cheryl Reeve’s four Coach of the Year honors that helped the Minnesota Lynx to four championships.
Reeve, who guided the U.S. women’s basketball team to gold at the 2024 Olympics, was joined onstage by Doris Burke, who transitioned from a Big East men’s analyst to a full‑time NBA commentator for ESPN, and by Kim Muhl, who retired after 37 years leading the women’s program at Kirkwood Community College.
Barbara Kennedy‑Dixon, a former player and longtime administrator at Clemson, was recognized for her contributions to the sport’s development, while the class looks ahead to Parker’s upcoming induction into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame later this summer.
The evening underscored the sport’s growing reach, from the University of Tennessee’s storied legacy to the international stars who have left indelible marks, promising continued inspiration for the next generation.