If one were to find a picture that would define the concept of dreaming big and succeeding in the dictionary, one would likely see a still of Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever jersey and all.
On the heels of her being announced as part of the 2020 class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Catchings brought her positive message to Fort Wayne’s Academy of Sports and Health Centre on Tuesday. Over 70 student-athletes were at the event to hear the 2012 WNBA champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist speak.
Her words to those in attendance was to always maintain belief in oneself and always attempt to be great.
When you dream big it’s about believing. It’s about leaving an impact and it’s about being great.
–Tamika Catchings (per Fox 55 WFFT-TV Fort Wayne)
Catch’s career certainly elevated her to the status of Indiana basketball legend – which in Indiana means much more than just the title itself suggests. But she believes that the accolades, the championships and the glitz and glamour that comes with athletic success only means as much as the opportunity to share that success to inspire the next generation.
When you leave (an) impact and actually plant a seed into somebody. One day, one of these kids are going to be up here speaking.
–Tamika Catchings (per Fox 55 WFFT-TV Fort Wayne)
Sending a special thank you to the most inspiring, kind and incredible woman! @Catchin24 💖🏀
Thank you for speaking life into our youth here in Indiana. Your story reminds us to push past obstacles to achieve greatnesses. #Fox55 #WNBA #HallOfFame #LivingLegend #TamikaCatchings pic.twitter.com/sXy5QEgCMj
— Brianna Dahlquist (@BDahlquistFox55) February 11, 2020
Optimum Performance Sports sponsored the event in addition to it being hosted by World Baseball Academy.
In addition to speaking to those in attendance at the luncheon, the also spoke with WANE-TV about the news of her upcoming induction into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Catchings admitted that while making it in the pros was a huge deal of hers, getting into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is on an entirely different level – and that a huge part of her journey was Pat Summitt and playing in Tennessee for the Lady Vols.
Everything that she taught me, her believing in me at a young age – giving me the opportunity to go to the University of Tennessee and then the four years at Tennessee, and then beyond that I had with her … it’s truly a blessing.
–Tamika Catchings (per WANE-TV 15 Fort Wayne)
Given that the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is in Knoxville, that mid-June occasion will have special meaning for the Lady Vols and Fever great.
Catchings may have to prepare to make two Hall of Fame speeches this year instead of one. On Friday, the finalists for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame will be announced from NBA All-Star weekend in Chicago.
She – in addition to Swin Cash – are among the Hall’s finalists.
