NASHVILLE, Tenn. – March 2, 2021 – Cathy Bender, a women’s basketball standout at Vanderbilt University, is a 2021 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Bender was told of her inclusion Monday during a surprise meeting with Vanderbilt Athletics Director Candice Storey-Lee and Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
Cathy Bender was a trailblazer in her family and for the other high-achieving student-athletes that would follow in her footsteps in the decades to come. A basketball player at Vanderbilt from 1978-1982, Bender was the first African-American woman at Vanderbilt to receive a full athletic scholarship.
Her senior year was arguably her most impressive season, setting the team record for assists with 262 in a season. In a game against Tennessee, she set the record for most assists in a game with 14.
During Bender’s tenure, the commodores improved every season and reached 20 wins for the time first in 1981-1982. Bender helped the team make post-season Association for the Intercollegiate Athletics for Women, 1979-80, and 1980-81.
Bender was an active member of the Vanderbilt and Nashville community as a board member of the Vanderbilt Alumni Association, co-chairing the school’s first African-American endowed scholarships, and serving on the Metropolitan Nashville Sports Authority Board.
“Cathy Bender led the way for so many athletes that came after. Her playing career is made even more impressive knowing that she was the first African-American female with a full athletic scholarship at Vanderbilt,” said Brad Willis, Executive Director of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Her contributions to the Mid-State area continue to this day, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of our 2021 Class of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.”
Bender joins President of US Soccer Cindy Parlow Cone, former MTSU defensive standout Mike Caldwell, and wheelchair basketball champion Brandon Rowland as announced inductees of the Class of 2021. The full class of 11 will be announced over the coming weeks.
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.
For more information, visit www.tshf.net.
About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame 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. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Bridgestone Arena, right outside of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.