KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- If Tennessee ever has another player
like Chamique Holdsclaw, she won't get to wear No. 23.
|  | | Vols coach Pat Summitt, left, helps Chamique Holdsclaw hoist her jersey during a halftime ceremony retiring her No. 23 on Thursday. |
The Vols retired Holdsclaw's jersey Thursday during
halftime of a victory over Connecticut. Her number is only the
fourth retired at Tennessee.
"All this success I've encountered makes me want to cry,"
Holdsclaw said after she was presented with a framed jersey at
midcourt. The crowd stood and cheered and indoor fireworks went off
as she was announced.
Holdsclaw became Tennessee's all-time leading scorer (3,025
points) and rebounder (1,295 rebounds) while leading the Lady Vols
to three national championships in 1996, 1997 and 1998.
A four-time All-America and two-time National Player of the
Year, Holdsclaw was named the Naismith Player of the Century.
An entire page in the media guide is devoted to the long list of
honors she was awarded when she was a freshman in 1995 to her senior
year in 1999.
She now plays for the WNBA's Washington Mystics and was a member
of the gold medal U.S. Olympic team. Holdsclaw has remained a
revered player in the hearts of fans and frequently attends
Tennessee games.
"I choked up -- I shed a tear," Holdsclaw said after the game.
"I know how much this program means to me. This team has supported
me."
Holdsclaw's grandmother, June, and mother, Bonita, also attended
the game and joined in the halftime ceremony with coach Pat
Summitt.
The Vols were ahead 45-44 at halftime and went on to beat
their rivals 92-88.
"It made me wish I was back. It was a long game," Holdsclaw
said. "I know that since Tamika (Catchings) was hurt, people have
been saying that Tennessee was not that good, but I've still
defended this team."
Tennessee has also retired No. 22 worn by Holly Warlick, a
current assistant coach, No. 30 worn by Bridgette Gordon and No. 32
worn by Daedra Charles.
Another Vol standout and Olympian, Nikki McCray, also wore
No. 23.
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