NASHVILLE, TN – February 19, 2025 – Former University of Tennessee basketball star Chamique Holdsclaw has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Holdsclaw was surprised with the announcement by former Lady Vols Coach Holly Warlick and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Brad Willis on Tuesday. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, celebrates the state’s rich sports heritage and honors those who have made a lasting impact within their communities.
“Chamique Holdsclaw is one of the greatest players to ever wear the Lady Vols uniform, and her impact on the game of basketball continues to be felt,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “She helped define an era of dominance for Tennessee women’s basketball, and we are honored to welcome her to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.”
A native of Queens, New York, Holdsclaw played under legendary head coach Pat Summitt at the University of Tennessee from 1995 to 1999. She led the Lady Vols to three consecutive NCAA National Championships (1996, 1997, 1998) and was a key figure in the 1997-98 team that finished an undefeated 39-0 season. Holdsclaw is the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Tennessee basketball history, was a two-time national player of the year, a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a two-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and was a four-time All-American.
Following her historic college career, Holdsclaw was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Year and went on to enjoy a successful professional career spanning over a decade, earning six WNBA All-Star selections.
Beyond her playing career, Holdsclaw has been an advocate for mental health awareness, sharing her own journey and working to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues in sports. Holdsclaw has been named to the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Holdsclaw joins Andy Kelly, Ron Slay, Joe Behling, the late Jack Jenkins, Chris Woodruff, Deon Grant, Doug Mathews, Derrick Mason, Stephen Gostkowski, Larry Kenon, Priscilla Gary Sweeney, the late Ronnie Robinson, the late Phillip Clark, Tony Allen, Elston Turner, George Pitts, and Bob Brown as announced members of the Class of 2025. The full 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released in the coming weeks.
The 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, presented by the Tennessee Titans, will take place on Saturday, July 19th, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Tables and sponsorships are available now at www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation
The Tennessee Education Lottery Corporation operates entirely from the revenue it generates through the sale of its products. Since January 20, 2004, the Lottery has raised more than $7.6 billion to fund designated education programs, including college grants, scholarships, Drive to 55 initiatives and after-school programs. In addition to the educational beneficiaries, players have won more than $20.8 billion in prizes and Lottery retailers have earned more than $2 billion in commissions. For additional information, visit tnlottery.com and follow the TEL on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
