Two former Tennessee women's basketball players were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame at its annual enshrinement ceremony Aug. 14-15 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Former Lady Vols Chamique Holdsclaw and Candance Parker were inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Two other former Lady Vols were also enshrined as members of the 1996 U.S. Women's National Team, including Nikki McCray-Penson and Carla McGhee. "The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to welcome the Class of 2026, a group that reflects the very best this sport has to offer." said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. "From a referee who set the standard over four decades, to coaches who built dynasties at every level, to players who redefined their positions, to a visionary who changed the way the game was played, and a women's class headlined by a national team that helped launch and entire league, alongside three of the most accomplished players the women's game has ever seen. "We are excited to welcome them to Springfield." Holdsclaw and Parker, who both have their numbers retired by the Lady Vols, are the second and third Tennessee women's basketball players to be inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame, joining Tamika Catchings. Pat Summitt was inducted individually as a coach in 2020 and was posthumously inducted with the 1976 U.S. Olympic Team, along with former Lady Vol players Cindy Brogdon and Patricia Roberts. Holdsclaw is Tennessee's all-time leading scorer (20.4 points per game) and rebounder (8.8 rebounds per game). She scored 3,025 career points and recorded 1,295 rebounds. Holdsclaw is a two-time Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Tournament Final Four and a two-time SEC Player of the Year. A two-time SEC Tournament MVP, she is the only player to be named a WBCA All-American four times. Parker has her jersey number retired by three WNBA franchises (Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles). She was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2008 WNBA draft by the Sparks. A two-time WNBA MVP (2008, 2013), Parker was the league's Rookie of the Year in 2008 and won WNBA championships with three teams. She was a WCBA All-American three times and a two-time NCAA Tournament Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2007-08).
Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). This article originally appeared on Vols Wire: Former Lady Vols enshrined in Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame