Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Insell inducted into Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
6/10/2017 3:46:00 PM | Women's Basketball
During ceremony in Knoxville
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee Head Women's Basketball Coach Rick Insell was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony at The Tennessee Theatre in Knoxville Saturday night.
Insell, who is Middle Tennessee's all-time winningest coach and hold the record for most Class AAA state championships in Tennessee with 10, was part of a six-member induction class. The 2017 Class also included Sally Ball (official), Christine Grant (contributor), Louise O'Neal (veteran), Sheryl Swoopes (player) and Kara Wolters (player).
The inductees received their coveted Eastman Trophy and Baron Championship Induction Ring as part of the ceremony. With the induction of the Class of 2017, the Hall of Fame has honored 157 inductees.
In addition to inducting the Class of 2017, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognized the 1975, 1976 and 1977 Delta State women's basketball teams for their contributions to the game with a display at the Hall of Fame entitled, "Trailblazers of the Game."
Insell delivered a moving induction speech in which he took time to thank players, coaches, friends and family, while also praising the communities of Cannon County, Bedford County and Rutherford County for their passion of the women's game.
"I am humbled and honored to be selected into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame," said Insell, who is now a member of six Halls of Fame. "I have been very blessed to grow up, play and work in communities that had respect, passion and love for the game of basketball. These communities also happened to have a special love for the women's game, in particular, which nurtured my love for the women's game as well."
A Middle Tennessee alum, Insell won 750 games at Shelbyville Central High School, winning 10 state championships and guiding his team into the title game 15 times in 28 years. He is also Middle Tennessee's all-time winningest coach with 299 triumphs in his 12 seasons. Insell has guided the Lady Raiders into postseason play in all 12 seasons with nine NCAA Tournament appearances and three WNIT Tournaments.
His display in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, which will be showcased throughout the year, included memorabilia and keepsakes from both Shelbyville and Middle Tennessee.
Insell, who is Middle Tennessee's all-time winningest coach and hold the record for most Class AAA state championships in Tennessee with 10, was part of a six-member induction class. The 2017 Class also included Sally Ball (official), Christine Grant (contributor), Louise O'Neal (veteran), Sheryl Swoopes (player) and Kara Wolters (player).
The inductees received their coveted Eastman Trophy and Baron Championship Induction Ring as part of the ceremony. With the induction of the Class of 2017, the Hall of Fame has honored 157 inductees.
In addition to inducting the Class of 2017, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame recognized the 1975, 1976 and 1977 Delta State women's basketball teams for their contributions to the game with a display at the Hall of Fame entitled, "Trailblazers of the Game."
Insell delivered a moving induction speech in which he took time to thank players, coaches, friends and family, while also praising the communities of Cannon County, Bedford County and Rutherford County for their passion of the women's game.
"I am humbled and honored to be selected into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame," said Insell, who is now a member of six Halls of Fame. "I have been very blessed to grow up, play and work in communities that had respect, passion and love for the game of basketball. These communities also happened to have a special love for the women's game, in particular, which nurtured my love for the women's game as well."
A Middle Tennessee alum, Insell won 750 games at Shelbyville Central High School, winning 10 state championships and guiding his team into the title game 15 times in 28 years. He is also Middle Tennessee's all-time winningest coach with 299 triumphs in his 12 seasons. Insell has guided the Lady Raiders into postseason play in all 12 seasons with nine NCAA Tournament appearances and three WNIT Tournaments.
His display in the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, which will be showcased throughout the year, included memorabilia and keepsakes from both Shelbyville and Middle Tennessee.
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Rick Insell Conference USA Hall of Fame Announcement
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2025 Blue Raider Blitz Media Panel
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