Holdsclaw returns to Knoxville for induction

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—Chamique Holdsclaw will enjoy the crowning achievement of her basketball career in the town where she produced many of her greatest moments.

It’s only appropriate that she’s getting inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame alongside Mickie DeMoss, the former Tennessee assistant coach who helped make sure Holdsclaw remained a Lady Vol.

Holdsclaw, who grew up in New York, struggled to adapt to Knoxville when she first arrived at Tennessee. Holdsclaw credits DeMoss for helping her adjust to her new surroundings and meet the demands of former Tennessee coach Pat Summitt.

“To be going in at the same time as Coach DeMoss is a totally amazing feeling,” Holdsclaw said. “When I think about my time at Tennessee, she’s a big reason why I left New York to come here. I was so scared of Coach Summitt. I was nervous or whatever, but Mickie was always the silly one who made you feel connected, like it’s going to be OK.”

Holdsclaw and DeMoss are being inducted Saturday as part of a class that also includes former Colorado coach Ceal Barry, former New Jersey high school and col- lege coach Rose Marie Battaglia, Connecticut assistant coach Chris Dailey and former players Katie Smith and Tina Thompson.

The induction ceremony is taking place in a downtown Knoxville theater less than two miles from Thompson-Boling Arena, where Holdsclaw’s No. 23 hangs from the rafters.

Tennessee won three straight national titles from 1996-98 with Holdsclaw playing a starring role and DeMoss assisting Summitt. Two decades later, Holdsclaw remains the Southeastern Conference’s career scoring leader (3,025) and Tennessee’s career rebounding leader (1,295).