Chamique Holdsclaw, a distinguished former University of Tennessee basketball player, has been selected for induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The announcement was made on February 19, 2025, when Holdsclaw was surprised by former Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick and Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director Brad Willis.
Brad Willis expressed high praise for Holdsclaw, stating, “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.” He highlighted her role in defining an era of dominance for Tennessee women’s basketball and expressed honor in welcoming her to the Hall of Fame.
Holdsclaw, originally from Queens, New York, played under the legendary coach Pat Summitt from 1995 to 1999. During her tenure, she led the Lady Vols to three consecutive NCAA National Championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998. Notably, she was instrumental in the 1997-98 team’s perfect 39-0 season. Holdsclaw remains the all-time leading scorer and rebounder in Tennessee basketball history. Her accolades include being a two-time national player of the year, two-time SEC Player of the Year, two-time NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player, and a four-time All-American.
Following her illustrious college career, Holdsclaw was the first overall pick in the 1999 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. She earned the WNBA Rookie of the Year award and enjoyed a professional career spanning over a decade, during which she was selected for six WNBA All-Star games.
Beyond her on-court achievements, Holdsclaw has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She has openly shared her personal experiences to combat the stigma associated with mental health issues in sports. Her contributions to the sport have been previously recognized with inductions into the NYC Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.
The induction ceremony for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, at the Omni Nashville Downtown. Tables and sponsorships are currently available through the Hall of Fame’s official website.
Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers, and administrators who have significantly impacted Tennessee’s sports history. The Hall aims to connect various stakeholders by celebrating athletic achievements and educating youth on the importance of healthy habits and positive lifestyle choices.
Holdsclaw’s induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame underscores her exceptional contributions to basketball and her ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness.
