October 11, 2023

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME

700 S Hall of Fame Dr, Knoxville, TN 37915

“The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed to the sport of women's basketball. The Hall of Fame opened in 1999 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA. It is the only facility of its kind dedicated to all levels of women's basketball.” - Wikipedia

I debated about whether to visit the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, but over came my chauvinistic thoughts by asking myself, “why wouldn’t I want to see and honor the women who have played this game that I love?” The HOF does an excellent job of telling the history of women’s basketball in this country. There are exhibits examining each level of play, from high schools, to college, to the Olympics, and to the pros. Coming from Iowa I always look for the Iowa connection, and found several. Most prevalent was the display honoring the 2023 NCAA Women’s Final Four in which the Iowa Hawkeyes were the runner-ups. I also found a couple Iowa connections of people inducted into the Hall of Fame (I’m sure there were more if I had taken the time to look closer).

It was not a coincidence that the Hall of Fame was built in Knoxville, home of the University of Tennessee. Famed UT Coach Pat Summit donated to, and helped raise funds, for the building at a time when fundraising had come to a standstill. While there are tributes to Summit in the building, it was not overdone. On a personal note, I feel fortunate to have watched Summit coach her final college basketball game in Des Moines on April 18, 2012. The Vols lost to the eventual NCAA Champion Baylor Bears who were led by Brittney Griner.