Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Insell to Receive Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award
5/13/2026 1:00:00 PM | Women's Basketball
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced Wednesday that former Middle Tennessee women's basketball head coach Rick Insell has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Curb Records.
Insell concluded his historic coaching career in 2026 as one of the most accomplished coaches in women's basketball history. Over 21 seasons at Middle Tennessee State University, he became the winningest coach in program history with 505 victories, leading the Blue Raiders to 21 consecutive postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA Tournament bids and multiple conference championships.
During his final season, Insell surpassed 500 Division I career victories, becoming the first basketball coach to record 500 wins at both the high school and college levels. A member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, Insell leaves behind a legacy defined by sustained success and his impact on generations of student-athletes.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame will formally present its 2026 Achievement Awards during its annual banquet on July 11 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award Winners
- 2026 — Rick Insell
- 2025 — Rick Barnes
- 2024 — Jack Elder
- 2023 — Jerry Lawler
- 2022 — Dean Hayes
- 2021 — Jerry Robertson
- 2020 — Woody Hunt
- 2019 — Rick Byrd
- 2017 — Roy Kramer
