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The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) recently announced the new Class of 2026 inductees into their Hall of Fame, including players, coaches and more.
“We are honored to pay tribute to eight distinguished legends of this exceptional sport,” said Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame President Dana Hart. “They exemplify the highest standards in women’s basketball and have made substantial contributions to the sport, along with shaping the game’s historical trajectory.”
The class includes four players: Elena Delle Donne, Candace Parker and international players Isabelle Fijalkowski and Amaya Valdemoro. Delle Donne won Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team in 2013 during her first season with the Chicago Sky. The former University of Delaware player also achieved All-WNBA 1st Team in 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2018. From Wilmington, Delaware, Delle Donne played for the Chicago Sky from 2013–2016, then for the Washington Mystics from 2017–2019 and 2021–2023.
Parker played for the WNBA for 17 years. After playing for the University of Tennessee, her career started with the Los Angeles Sparks from 2008–2021. Parker then moved to the Chicago Sky from 2021–2022. She proceeded to play for the Las Vegas Aces only for the 2023 season before deciding to retire. Along with Delle Donne, Parker also won Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team during her first season. Parker is also a two-time MVP, All-Star MVP, two-time AP Player of the Year award winner and more.
Fijalkowski was the first French woman to ever play in the WNBA, as she joined the Cleveland Rockers in 1997. She played for the Rockers for only two seasons and successfully made 715 career goals. Born in Madrid, Spain, Valdemoro played for the Houston Comets for three seasons from 1998-2000.
The inductees don’t only include players, as longtime WNBA and Team USA coach Cheryl Reeve and 36-year Kirkwood Community College head coach and NJCAA Hall of Famer Kim Muhl are also amongst this year’s inductees. Doris Burke, a contributor for her work at ESPN as an analyst for women’s basketball and a multi-year First-Team All-ACC recipient, will be inducted as well.
jcaramag@ramapo.edu
Featured photo courtesy of @candaceparker, Instagram
