KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Smokies.LIVE Information Center) — Six influential figures in women’s basketball will be inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2027, including WNBA legend Diana Taurasi and several accomplished coaches, officials and contributors.
The Hall of Fame announced its Class of 2027 on Nov. 5, recognizing Taurasi, Sandy Brondello, Mike Thibault, Dee Kantner, Dr. Judith Holland and Molly Bolin Kazmer.
Taurasi retired as the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer with more than 10,000 career points. She won three NCAA championships at UConn, three WNBA titles with the Phoenix Mercury and a record six Olympic gold medals.
Brondello is a two-time WNBA championship coach, while Thibault led the Washington Mystics to their first WNBA championship in 2019. Kantner is recognized for more than 40 years of officiating, including 26 NCAA Final Fours and 16 national championship games.
Holland helped develop women’s athletics at UCLA and played a role in advancing women’s basketball nationally. Kazmer, known as “Machine Gun” Molly, was the first player signed to the Women’s Basketball League and set scoring records during her professional career.
The six honorees will join 214 existing inductees in the Hall of Fame.
The 2027 induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 26, at the Tennessee Theatre in downtown Knoxville.
General admission tickets are expected to go on sale in the spring. More information is available at wbhof.com.
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