Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

It’s only fitting that the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is located in Knoxville, just down the road from Thompson-Boling Arena, where the Lady Vols play. Many of the people you’ve learned about on this tour have been inducted as members including Nera White, John Head, Pat Summitt, and Joan Cronan. Every year, the Hall of Fame announces six to ten new inductees and also gives out annual awards like the “Trailblazers of the Game” award, which is given to a group or team. In 2022, in an unusual move, the Hall of Fame presented this award to a piece of legislation. What was it? Title IX of course. Board Chair Carol Stiff said, “Without Title IX, our past and future inductees. . . would not have had the opportunity to blaze those trails.”

Opened in 1999, the WBHOF is the only facility of its kind—dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. As you enter the Pat Summitt Rotunda, you will see three bronze figures. These figures symbolize the hall’s mission to “honor the past, celebrate the present, and promote the future.” The hall features more than 200 players, coaches, administrators, and journalists. It’s also interactive! Test your skills on multiple courts and explore the museum’s displays and artifacts. And check out the world’s largest basketball, which measures 30-feet tall and weighs 10 tons. If you are in Knoxville, we highly recommend stopping by the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame to pay homage to all those who paved the way for today’s female athlete.

Congratulations, you’ve completed the Women’s Sport History Tour! Tennessee’s sports’ history includes many compelling stories and historic moments. We owe the women who blazed the trail a debt of gratitude. To learn more read Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee's Trailblazers: 50 Years, 50 Stories. Also, check out our other tours, tag us @NashvilleSites on social media, and look for the yellow “Donate” button at the top of your screen to support Nashville Sites. Many thanks to our sponsors—the Nashville Historical Foundation and the NCAA’s Ohio Valley Conference. Thank you for embarking on this journey through time with Nashville Sites. This is Renee Schultz signing off!