A trailblazing women’s class enters the Hall: 1996 US Olympic team, Parker, Delle Donne, Holdsclaw

Dawn Staley and the 1996 Olympic Women's Basketball team, featuring players such as Candace Parker, Elena Delle Donne, and Chamique Holdsclaw, will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday. This marks the second consecutive year that a highly accomplished group of women will receive this honor, following the induction of Sue Bird, Maya Moore, and Sylvia Fowles in 2025.

Candace Parker, a three-time WNBA champion with the Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, and Las Vegas Aces, holds the unique distinction of being the only player in league history to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year awards in the same season. She also claimed two NCAA titles and two Olympic gold medals during her career.

Elena Delle Donne, a two-time WNBA MVP and winner of the 2019 championship with the Washington Mystics, set a league record by shooting over 50% from the field, 40% from the three-point line, and 90% from the free-throw line in the 2019 season. Her performance earned her the title of the first player in league history to achieve all three milestones simultaneously.

Chamique Holdsclaw, another three-time NCAA champion and WNBA veteran, led Tennessee to an unprecedented 39-0 undefeated season in 1998, the first in team history. Her feat also included securing the program's first-ever title in 1998, as well as contributing to an NCAA record for the most wins in a single season. Holdsclaw went on to enjoy a successful 11-year WNBA career.

Completing the Hall of Fame class are NBA player Amar'e Stoudemire, renowned NBA official Joey Crawford, former NBA coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D'Antoni, and Gonzaga head coach Mark Few.