Chamique Holdsclaw already was part of one Hall of Fame moment this year when she gave the introduction speech for Candace Parker who headlined this year’s Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame class in Knoxville.
This time, Holdsclaw had the spotlight on her in Springfield, Massachusetts as part of this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class.
She began her speech remarking that she was “every version” of herself she has been throughout her career and life – including “a believer when belief was hard to find.”
Holdsclaw recalled growing up in Queens’ Astoria neighborhood when girls were dissuaded against stepping onto the court – but she had advocates (including Ron Artest – known as Metta World Peace today).
That was protection. That was respect. And that was belief.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Growing up in New York City, Holdsclaw mentioned how watching basketball greats such as Speedy Claxton and Lamar Odom encouraged her to step up her game. She wanted to participate in one of Sonny Vaccaro’s camps and he kept bringing up the University of Tennessee.
At that time, I didn’t fully understand. Looking back now, that was alignment.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
She also paid tribute to another inductee of this year’s Basketball Hall of Fame class – the 1996 Olympic team.
Those were the women whose posters were on my wall. Black women, strong, confident, dominant, graceful.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Holdsclaw acknowledged the teammates she has had over the years – and that they “shared something special only teammates truly understand.”
Among those she also shouted out were her supporters, her fans, her coaches and the Tennessee Lady Vols community.
You embraced me, you lifted me, you challenged me and you held me accountable and you loved me through it all. That’s the kind of love that stays with you forever.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Holdsclaw also mentioned how the challenges she faced then have shaped her life to this day. She then also mentioned how gratifying it is to be celebrating the WNBA’s 30th anniversary. Holdsclaw gave thanks to Susan O’Malley who was responsible for drafting her to the Washington Mystics in the late 1990s.
O’Malley was the first woman president of an NBA franchise – the Washington Bullets at the time.
Also receiving thanks from Holdsclaw were current NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the late David Stern who was NBA commissioner prior to Silver. That list also included the three individuals who presented Holdsclaw with the Hall of Fame honor in Teresa Weatherspoon, Tina Thompson and Tamika Catchings.
I’ll never forget when you told me to treat my life like a church and stop inviting everybody to the front row.
–Chamique Holdsclaw to Tina Thompson
Three phenomenal Hall of Famers, three phenomenal women and, most importantly, three phenomenal human beings.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Considering that Holdsclaw is a Tennessee alum, of course she had to pay homage to the late and great Pat Summitt.
Coach Summitt allowed me to grow as both the player and a person. She stood by me 10 toes down during life’s highs and lows. She showed me unconditional love and support. (She) also showed me family is not defined by blood. I miss her dearly.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Holdsclaw also mentioned Mickie DeMoss, Holly Warlick, family members, neighbors and her wife, Cara.
As someone who lives with mental health challenges … I know this journey has not been always easy for either of us. But this moment carries emotions that some people may never fully understand, but you do. You have been my peace and my rock.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Thanking family is common in many a Hall of Fame speech and Holdsclaw’s was no exception. In addition to her children, mother and father, she also acknowledged her late grandmother who she thanked for instilling the virtues of community and love into her.
Holdsclaw is a shining example of how even Hall of Famers have bad days. Among those she acknowledged in her speech were mental health organizations and how they have given her a platform to help others in their healing journeys as she is still going through hers.
Anyone carrying a weight that never shows up the box score, I see you. Your struggle does not disqualify you. Your story is not over and your greatness is still within you. Every chapter matters, every scar matters, every comeback matters.
–Chamique Holdsclaw, Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
