NASHVILLE, TN – March 2, 2025 – Former University of Tennessee basketball star Tamika Catchings has been named to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Catchings was surprised with the announcement on Sunday during the Lady Vols basketball game vs Georgia. Catchings serves as a basketball analyst for ESPN and the SEC Network, which broadcast the game. 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.
“Tamika Catchings is one of the most accomplished and respected players in the history of women’s basketball,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “From her time at Tennessee under Pat Summitt to her Hall of Fame career in the WNBA and her leadership off the court, Tamika has left an incredible legacy. We are honored to welcome her to the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025.”
A native of Stratford, New Jersey, Catchings played for the Tennessee Lady Vols from 1997 to 2001 under legendary head coach Pat Summitt. She was a key player on Tennessee’s 1997-98 undefeated national championship team (39-0) and earned multiple accolades, including four-time All-American honors and the 1998 NCAA Freshman of the Year award.
After her remarkable college career, Catchings was selected third overall in the 2001 WNBA Draft by the Indiana Fever. Over a 15-season WNBA career, she became a 10-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA MVP (2011), and led the Fever to a WNBA Championship in 2012, where she was named Finals MVP. Catchings also made an impact on the international stage, winning four Olympic gold medals (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016) as a key member of Team USA.
Beyond her playing career, Catchings has remained an influential figure in basketball and the community. She has served as Vice President of Basketball Operations and General Manager for the Indiana Fever, is an ESPN basketball analyst, and has been a dedicated advocate for youth development through her Catch the Stars Foundation, which provides mentoring and educational programs for young people. In 2020, she was inducted into the Naismith MemorialBasketball Hall of Fame, solidifying her status as one of the greatest to ever play the game. Catchings has also been named to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
Catchings joins Chamique Holdsclaw, 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.
