Once during every summer, the entirety of the women’s basketball universe descends upon Knoxville, Tennessee to honor legends of the game. Once during every summer, a new list of legends is immortalized in the hallowed halls of Knoxville – a city that has contributed so much to women’s basketball history.
Saturday, June 27 was that day for eight luminaries of the game as the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2026. That class would include Elena Delle Donne, Cheryl Reeve, Isabelle Fijalkowski, Kim Muhl, Amaya Valdemoro, the late Barbara Kennedy-Dixon, Doris Burke and Tennessee’s very own Candace Parker.
It was fitting for the honors for Parker to be done by another legendary Tennessee Lady Vol in Chamique Holdsclaw. Parker had high praise for her fellow Rocky Top alum. Both played under the late, great Pat Summitt.
You made me want to wear orange.
–Candace Parker on Chamique Holdsclaw
Parker mentioned how she received plenty of inspiration from a Slam Magazine cover that had Holdsclaw on the cover.
I know Pat’s smiling down.
–Candace Parker on Chamique Holdsclaw
During Holdsclaw’s speech prior to Parker giving her remarks, she mentioned how Parker, her “little big sis,” changed the game.
Candace didn’t just meet the moment. She expanded it.
–Chamique Holdsclaw
When mentioning originality, it was an opportunity for Parker to quote Voltaire, mentioning that “originality is nothing but judicious imitation.”
My childhood really revolved around sports.
–Candace Parker
One of the many attributes that paved the way for Parker to become the revered name she is today is how she did not allow her life to be limited by societal norms.
We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams.
–Candace Parker
A childhood phrase that Parker mentioned would be an inspiration throughout her career would be “Can do.” She mentioned that she would whisper this two-word phrase prior to many big moments in her career and life – including when it was time to hit send on an Instagram post where she announced that she would be retiring from the game.
About that childhood – when Parker was rising through the basketball ranks from Naperville, Illinois outside of Chicago, she mentioned that it was her father who often pushed her – and at times it would be her mother who would have to play referee. Parker even recollected how her father would challenge her to do pushups during commercials.
If you work hard for what you want, you can achieve your goals.
–Candace Parker
Parker wore the No. 3 throughout her basketball career, hence one of her nicknames – CP3. She remembered that she got the inspiration because Allen Iverson wore No. 3. Parker mentioned that, throughout her life, she gravitated towards individuals that took more unconventional paths to success.
Among her inspirations throughout the years were the Michael Jordan-era Chicago Bulls, Stephen Curry and Brandi Chastain’s iconic moment from the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup when she scored the game-winning penalty goal in the final against China then took off her jersey. That took place at RFK Memorial Stadium in Washington, D.C.
Parker recollected how that moment was criticized as not “ladylike” by many pundits in the media, but that furthered her passion to continue pursuing sports.
Of course, a large number of the attendees at Tennessee Theatre were there to thank the legendary Lady Vol for her years in Tennessee colors. She described becoming a Lady Vol as “one of the best decisions” she ever made and that she made lifelong friendships with, not only her teammates, but also professors and roommates.
Parker also thanked those around her today that have helped her transition to her current phase in her life where she is looking to be an inspiration to those who hope to follow in her sneaker steps.
No one prepares you for when the student becomes the teacher.
–Candace Parker
Parker also spoke about another one of the key roles she has played throughout her life – that of mother. On children, she quoted James Baldwin, saying “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.”
The suit that she wore during her speech also had a deeper meaning for Parker as it was her version of a suit that Coach Summitt would wear on the sidelines during games.
This is a tangible expression that I was watching.
–Candace Parker
Pat was one of one – a giant of all giants.
–Candace Parker
She closed her remarks by crediting the legendary Lady Vols coach with having the vision to get women’s basketball to the point it is today.
Prior to Parker speaking, it was Holdsclaw who introduced Parker to the Tennessee Theatre stage. She was walking a bit carefully when she was called up to the podium as she mentioned a recent knee replacement she had.
Holdsclaw mentioned that during her final season in the WNBA where she was with the San Antonio Silver Stars, Parker drove past Holdsclaw using crafty moves to score. She knew that the game was on the verge of changing.
She mentioned how Parker has not only been a great player and ambassador for the game, but an excellent role model for young girls.
Thank you for inspiring generations.
–Chamique Holdsclaw to Candace Parker
Fijalkowski spoke prior to Parker speaking. She was the first Frenchwoman ever drafted into the WNBA and won an Eastern Conference championship with the Cleveland Rockers. She would also go on to win MVP honors in the French League and the Italian League.
No one does this alone.
–Isabelle Fijalkowski
As Fijalkowski grew up in France, she recollected how women’s basketball were merely finding its voice in the European nation. Fijalkowski wanted to play basketball in the United States but was unsure of how until several individuals helped pave her path across the Atlantic Ocean.
One of those individuals was Ceal Barry, a 2018 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee who had the honor of introducing Fijalkowski to the stage in Knoxville.
I don’t have the words to fully thank you.
–Isabelle Fijalkowski
Fijalkowski mentioned that discipline, humility and showing up were always pillars that allowed her to reach greatness throughout her journey. She also mentioned that having friends and family by her side also kept her lifted through those times when the road got rough.
One of those family members is daughter Alicia Tournebize who is currently under the tutelage of Dawn Staley at South Carolina.
Among the many things that basketball gave her were people, resilience and love, Fijalkowski mentioned.
Barry was Fijalkowski’s coach at Colorado. She recollected that Fijalkowski was so gifted on the court that two things came to mind.
We cannot let this player get injured.
–Ceal Barry on Isabelle Fijalkowski
We need to get her the ball.
–Ceal Barry on Isabelle Fijalkowski
Barry also praised Fijalkowski for having a professional mentality when she was in college where she achieved both athletic and academic accolades.
Colorado elevated because of her presence.
–Ceal Barry on Isabelle Fijalkowski
Before Fijalkowski spoke, it was Delle Donne’s turn at the mic. The crowd at the Tennessee Theatre loved it when she mentioned departing from UConn after solely two days. That decision is what led her to a Blue Hens uniform at the University of Delaware.
Delle Donne remembered because of the great deal of physical growth she experienced as a teenager that she figured volleyball would be the sport for her.
As those that have chronicled Delle Donne over the years understand, she has had to overcome a litany of challenges over the years – notably a serious back injury she suffered during Game 2 of the 2019 WNBA Finals between the Washington Mystics and Connecticut Sun.
Marianne Stanley was an assistant in Washington during that 2019 championship run. She mentioned during her remarks that she could have received an injection for her back ailment but she would be unable to play the rest of that Finals. Delle Donne decided to play.
Thank you for being my family on and off the court.
–Elena Delle Donne to her teammates over the years
Of course, many an odyssey through sports begins at home. Delle Donne mentioned that because of how she was raised, she was inspired to break traditional norms.
You never treated me any different than my brother when it came to sports.
–Elena Delle Donne to her parents
Delle Donne mentioned that she wanted to leave the game in a better place than when she found it. She is still involved with the game through her continued work with the Mystics and as managing director of USA Basketball’s women’s 3×3 team which recently won a gold medal at this year’s FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
Of course, when thinking of Elena, one cannot help but think of her older sister Lizzie who was born deaf and blind with cerebral palsy and autism. Delle Donne got emotional on stage when acknowledging her older sister as a source of inspiration throughout her career and life.
Stanley introduced Delle Donne to the Tennessee Theatre stage and mentioned how the First State phenom was a game changer for the Delaware athletic program.
She has set nearly every school record at the University of Delaware.
–Marianne Stanley
In addition to Delle Donne’s athletic achievements, she also became a two-time national academic All-American. Stanley described Delle Donne’s work ethic and attention to detail as “legendary.”
Delle Donne also established a new club in the WNBA – the 50-40-90 club which was also established during that 2019 season. The 50-40-90 is a reference to her shooting at least 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from 3-point range and 90 percent at the free throw line.
Before the spotlight was on Delle Donne, it was on longtime ESPN broadcaster Doris Burke who, unfortunately, could not be in Knoxville for the induction ceremonies. Burke did deliver a video message to those in attendance.
She mentioned in her remarks how she has been blessed to broadcast the games of so many of the game’s greats – including Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and A’ja Wilson.
Burke gave her “sincerest thanks” to her colleagues at ESPN and mentioned Holly Rowe as well as ABC’s Robin Roberts as those who have been influential throughout her career. She also acknowledged that there is a group of bright, young stars that are prepared to carry the WNBA for the next several years.
I cannot wait to see where the next generation takes us.
–Doris Burke
Prior to Burke being acknowledged as part of this year’s Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class, Kennedy-Dixon was recognized as part of said class. She passed away in 2018 of cancer and was survived by her husband Marvin (and two children) who spoke on her behalf.
He acknowledged the many Clemson fans who made the trip from the Palmetto State to Tennessee for the weekend’s festivities.
Barbara, this is your night and we’re going to let your light shine.
–Marvin Dixon
Dixon made plenty of references to how the couple kept themselves grounded in their Christian faith – including singing on church choirs. He also mentioned how stories of her younger days included her playing basketball on the same court as the boys.
After sharing many a story about the late Clemson great, he gave a speech he believed would echo remarks from Barbara if she will still alive today. Among the many signature moments of her life he mentioned was initially getting offered a volleyball scholarship before placing her full emphasis on basketball and working in Clemson’s athletic department.
Valerie Still, who was part of the 2019 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class, spoke prior to Marvin making his remarks. She encouraged the attendees to Saturday’s ceremony to reminisce on someone important in their lives who is no longer here today.
Among Still’s remarks were a reference to an African proverb.
If the lion doesn’t tell the story … the hunter takes the glory.
Still wanted those in attendance to understand that the groundwork for a WNBA was laid by individuals like Kennedy-Dixon.
She utilized women’s basketball as a social movement.
–Valerie Still on Barbara Kennedy-Dixon
Even with all of the achievements that she had throughout her life, Still mentioned that there would be one thing above others she would remember about Kennedy-Dixon.
I remember her love for life.
–Valerie Still on Barbara Kennedy-Dixon
Before Kennedy-Dixon’s contributions to the game were recognized, longtime coach Kim Muhl had his turn at the podium.
Honestly, I never thought I’d be here.
–Kim Muhl
Muhl has coached at Kirkwood Community College in Iowa since 1989, has an overall record of 1,108-178 and has won nine NJCAA Division II championships. He remembers at one point in his life – 1973, to be exact – that he took a hiatus from basketball to enlist in the Army but never served in combat.
Following college, Muhl mentioned how something irked him about seeing individuals working jobs that they did not really want to work. That was a huge factor that influenced Muhl to pursue coaching.
Among Muhl’s stops were Cumberland College in Kentucky. His journey would see him accept jobs that could be considered as odd – such as when he was a supervisor for a janitorial company in Cedar Rapids.
He remembered accepting a job at Norway High School which is no longer in existence. It gave him the opportunity to coach both girls basketball and baseball. The reason why Norway is no longer around was because of a consolidation, but that consolidation occurred at the same time the job at Kirkwood opened.
Despite initially making only $22,000 annually as women’s basketball coach, softball coach and teacher, Muhl was all in.
He mentioned improvement, accountability and humility as pillars he wanted to instill into the program but also acknowledged that the impact his players and students had on him was greater than that he had on said players and students.
The truth is they changed me far more than I changed them.
–Kim Muhl
Muhl thanked a litany of individuals during his speech – among them, his assistant coaches and his wife for being with him through the “long nights, road trips, practice games and challenges.”
Nobody ever builds anything alone.
–Kim Muhl
Muhl was introduced to the Tennessee crowd by Roonie Scovel who was part of the 2024 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class. Scovel particularly put an emphasis on how Muhl would not only coach but teach 37 semester hours every year in addition to building the weight room and washing jerseys while never missing a day of work.
Muhl also put together 37 consecutive seasons with at least 20 wins and is third all-time among winningest coaches – at any level.
This year’s induction ceremony had a great international presence between Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro who won three WNBA championships with the Houston Comets and is an eight-time Spanish League champion. She also is a nine-time winner of the Spanish Cup – and the first Spanish woman to ever play in the WNBA.
Valdemoro mentioned how she has reflected on her career and that it made her the person she is today.
I was incredibly lucky to play with such amazing teammates.
–Amaya Valdemoro
When she signed with Houston in the late 1990s, Valdemoro mentioned how she still gets “goosebumps” when she thinks of that time in her life.
Sometimes I have to remind myself of how much I learned.
–Amaya Valdemoro
Wearing the red and navy blue hues of the Comets certainly meant a lot to her. What meant even more was having the opportunity to represent Spain in international competitions.
Wearing that jersey means everything to me. ¡Vamos España!
–Amaya Valdemoro
Valdemoro has always kept in mind that sports can be a metaphor for the greater lives we live.
Basketball and life are two sides of the same coin.
–Amaya Valdemoro
She especially got emotional when mentioning her mother and father – both extremely instrumental to the success she achieved throughout her days on the court.
The rest of me belongs to them. Love you mom, love you dad.
–Amaya Valdemoro
In closing, Valdemoro kept it short and sweet with her message to the game.
Long live women’s basketball.
–Amaya Valdemoro
Carol Callan, who was part of the 2021 Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class, introduced Valdemoro. During her remarks, she compared Spain to Rafael Nadal while other international powers such as Russia, Australia and the United States were Roger Federer. Callan was the director for USA Basketball from 1996 to 2012. Team USA won six gold medals during that span.
Amaya loves being surrounded by her family, her friends and the people she cares about.
–Carol Callan
The first of this year’s Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame speakers was Cheryl Reeve, the four-time champion coach with the Minnesota Lynx. She is also now Minnesota’s president of basketball operations.
Among those she thanked were her wife Carley Knox who is the Lynx’s president of business operations. Reeve particularly mentioned three individuals that were instrumental in her getting enshrined in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen who introduced Reeve to the crowd at the Tennessee Theatre.
Reeve mentioned that her working a basketball camp while in college was what inspired her to pursue a career as a coach. She eventually got her Master’s Degree and credited her mother with giving her the extra push she needed to obtain her Master’s.
She mentioned a number of well-known names that led her give coaching a try – including Dan Hughes, Bill Laimbeer and Anne Donovan who was a former coach of the Charlotte Sting. Reeve recalled driving in 2001 to Chicago’s Moody Bible College to interview for a job with the Sting.
Reeve also thanked the fans of the Lynx for allowing her to arrive at this point.
The belief, passion and support have made the last 16 seasons unforgettable.
–Cheryl Reeve
Whalen may have been inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame three years ago as part of the class of 2023, but she understands that it was Reeve that enabled her to be immortalized in Knoxville.
I would not be in this Hall of Fame without the person I am presenting today.
–Lindsay Whalen
Whalen recalled a story of how healthy eating was an important topic in WNBA circles at the time. Reeve suggested a new restaurant that could help Whalen at the time while she was in her vegan phase.
She specifically mentioned Minnesota’s Red Cow restaurant during her remarks – and even comedically remarked that there was still time for Red Cow to an extend an NIL offer in the direction of Reeve and Whalen.
Whalen would mention the laundry list of talent that Reeve coached throughout the 2010s that made the Minnesota dynasty what it was.
Turns out the potential of that group was something cool.
–Lindsay Whalen
At the center of it all was Cheryl Reeve.
–Lindsay Whalen
While the focus was on the eight new inductees to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, it itself also made a bit of news with the announcement of Michelle Marciniak as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Everyone starts somewhere.
–Michelle Marciniak
And this is certainly a new start for Marciniak after she co-founded Sheex – which specializes in performance bedding and sleepwear – in 2007. Marciniak reminded those in attendance that anyone who became a Hall of Famer – including the eight that were part of the 2026 class – did not do so overnight.
The people we honor tonight were not born Hall of Famers. They became Hall of Famers.
–Michelle Marciniak
One word stuck out when Marciniak made comments on her vision for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame – global.
I want the Hall to be more than just a museum.
–Michelle Marciniak
Marciniak also wanted those in attendance to know that during her career, she wore No. 3 for the Tennessee Lady Vols prior to Parker doing so.
Technically, my number is retired. It just has Parker on the back and not Marciniak (laughs).
–Michelle Marciniak
There was also the matter of the For The Love of the Game Award which this year was bestowed upon Dana Hart, a former president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
She retired at the beginning of this year and first became the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame’s president in 2008.
We all build on the achievements of those that came before us.
–Dana Hart
Hart mentioned during her remarks that attending a private women’s college helped her greatly in acquiring the attributes needed to become a strong woman. That private women’s college was Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies and fashion.
Hall of Fame speeches almost always pay homage to those that are no longer with us but built the foundation for where a sport can go. Among the names Hart mentioned were Summitt and Sue Donahoe.
I will always cherish the stories, the history and the love.
–Dana Hart
She also cherishes what happened in 2016 when she presented the first-ever For The Love of the Game award to Lauren Hill in Indianapolis at the national championship game between UConn and Syracuse.
Hart is confident that Marciniak will achieve great things during her tenure leading the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Debbie Antonelli is the annual host of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. She mentioned previous inductees that were present for this year’s festivities including Van Chancellor, Holly Warlick, Teresa Edwards and Seimone Augustus.
Of course, whether one is at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame itself or at the Tennessee Theatre for induction night, one can feel the presence of the late, great Summitt. The day following the ceremonies would be 10 years to the day that Summitt passed away. Antonelli asked the attendees to join in a moment of silence to honor the great Tennessee Lady Vols coach.
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame also has a great relationship with Smith College considering it was where the first women’s basketball game took place. The institution has been nicknamed “The Birthplace” in women’s basketball circles. Kristin Hughes, the current athletic director at Smith College, also gave remarks prior to the introduction of this year’s inductees.
