Story Links
CHARLOTTESVILLE Virginia women’s basketball coach Debbie Ryan was inducted as part of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2008 Saturday, June 14 in Knoxville, Tenn.
The 10th group of inductees included award-winning official Patty Broderick, head coach of Central Arizona College Lin L. Laursen, former All-American at both the University of Tennessee and Wayland Baptist College Jill Rankin Schneider, best 5-4 basketball player of all time Suzie McConnell-Serio and three-time Olympian Michele Timms in addition to Ryan.
As head coach of Virginia, Ryan has made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances, three consecutive Final Four berths (1990-92) and is the seventh coach in NCAA Women’s Basketball history to reach the 600-win milestone at the same school. Ryan lead the 2001 USA Basketball team to the gold medal in the World University Games, and the 2003 team to a silver medal at the Pan American Games.
“I am humbled and honored to be named to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame,” Ryan said. “My life has been blessed with tremendous players, coaches, staff members, and administrators over the years who have supported me and share equally in this honor. I am very thankful and fortunate to be able to represent the University of Virginia and my entire family in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. This is a proud moment for all of us.”
The ceremony was hosted by “Guest Hosts,” ESPN personalities Beth Mowins and Debbie Antonelli, and radio host Hallerin Hilton Hill, the “Master of Ceremonies,” who also co-wrote “The Dream,” the official theme song of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, “The Dream” was performed by Evelyn Jack.
In addition to celebrating each inductee’s crowning basketball achievements with the presentation of “The Eastman” award, the Induction ceremony featured the music of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Choir as well as a special performance by nationally-acclaimed singer/song-writer, Jasper Sawyer.
Several of Ryan’s former colleagues and players were in attendance, including former UVa Athletics Director Gene Corrigan, and former letterwinner and current president of USA Basketball Val Ackerman, who introduced Ryan’s video presentation. Former UVa greats Dawn Staley and Dena Evans also attended the ceremony.