NASHVILLE, Tenn. – May 12, 2025 – The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by the Tennessee Lottery, announced the recipients of its 2025 Achievement Awards today. Headlining the honorees is NASA astronaut and Mt. Juliet native Barry “Butch” Wilmore, named the 2025 Tennessean of the Year. This year’s full list of honorees includes standout athletes, coaches and programs from across the state, from Olympic champions to NCAA title winners. The Hall will formally present its top honors at its 2025 Banquet, presented by the Tennessee Titans, on July 19 at the Omni Nashville Downtown.
“This year’s Achievement Award honorees reflect the very best of Tennessee’s rich sports tradition — from legends who’ve inspired generations to rising stars making their mark on the national stage,” said Harold Graeter, Chairman of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors. “We are proud to honor these individuals and teams whose dedication, excellence, and impact represent what the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame stands for.”
2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Honoree Awards:
Tennessean of the Year, Presented by the Tennessee Lottery – Barry “Butch” Wilmore
Captain Barry “Butch” Wilmore, a Mt. Juliet native, is a decorated NASA astronaut, U.S. Navy Captain and test pilot who recently returned from space in early 2025 after commanding NASA’s Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test and remaining aboard the International Space Station for nine months. A former Tennessee Tech football standout, Wilmore has logged multiple spaceflights and continues to serve as an inspiration to Tennesseans and Americans alike for his courage, leadership, and commitment to exploration.
Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award, Presented by Curb Records – Rick Barnes
Tennessee Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Barnes has transformed the Volunteers into a perennial powerhouse since taking over in 2015. With multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, an SEC Championship, and back-to-back trips to the Elite Eight in 2024 and 2025, Barnes has not only built a winning program but one rooted in culture, character and development.
Professional Athlete of the Year – Reed Blankenship
Middle Tennessee State University product Reed Blankenship emerged as one of the NFL’s most reliable safeties during the 2024 season. As a starter for the Philadelphia Eagles, Blankenship led the team in tackles, anchored the secondary, and became a defensive leader both on and off the field.
Female Amateur Team of the Year – Union University Women’s Basketball
Union University’s Women’s Basketball program continued its tradition of excellence in 2025, posting a dominant 33-4 season and making a deep run in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Union’s consistent success reflects their strong leadership and elite-level performance on the court.
Male Amateur Teams of the Year – Tennessee Baseball AND Chattanooga Men’s Basketball (TIE)
The University of Tennessee Baseball team claimed the 2024 College World Series Championship, their first national title in program history. The Vols’ dominant season showcased elite pitching, powerful hitting, and unwavering team chemistry under head coach Tony Vitello. The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Men’s Basketball team captured the 2025 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Championship, earning national recognition for their grit, determination, and postseason run.
Female Amateur Athlete of the Year, Presented by the TSSAA – Olivia Reeves, Olympic Weightlifter
A native of Chattanooga, Reeves has emerged as one of the most dominant figures in international weightlifting. In 2024, she broke multiple American and Pan American records while medaling at the IWF World Championships and Pan American Championships, and captured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Male Amateur Athlete of the Year, Presented by the TSSAA – Seth Henigan, Memphis Football
University of Memphis quarterback Seth Henigan led the Tigers to a 10-3 record and a win in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl in 2024, throwing for over 3,800 yards and 32 touchdowns. Henigan became the school’s all-time leader in career passing yards and total touchdowns, earning All-AAC honors.
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
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.
###
