KNOXVILLE (Tenn.) — The work of David Stern for basketball was beyond gender stereotypes and created a new arena for female players.
Stern, who was NBA Commissioner from 1984 through 2014, was a key player in the establishment and operation of WNBA 1997. Stern died January 1, 2020 after this courageous move. She was to be inducted into Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame at Saturday’s ceremony.
Stern was joined by ex-players Tamika Catchings and Swin Cash as well as Debbie Brock and contributors Carol Callan and Sue Donohoe in the induction class.
Eric Stern representing his father said, “The WNBA is my father’s child.” He had to fight hard for it. To make this happen, he had to invest a lot of personal and professional capital.
He was not convinced. He was a person who enjoyed conflict, and didn’t mind it. While growing up, he participated in a lot civil rights activities. His strong belief in equality and equity was a hallmark of his life.
Stern’s efforts directly benefitted Catchings. Following her 2000 win at Tennessee as the College Player of the Year, Stern went on to a 15 year career with the WNBA. Indiana Fever. In 2012, she was named MVP at the Finals.
Catchings’ pro-career secured her place in the Hall of Fame. But it was an incredible journey.
According to her, she was an intern with the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in the summer of 1998. “I cleaned the floors and dusted the exhibits.
“I found it easy to learn about women’s basketball history, and the people who worked for their rights. This is the word “legacy”. I wish you will remember it. “I was an byproduct of many others before me.”
Catchings recalled her eighth grade life, where she chose a TV channel to watch while she was watching.
“I saw two steely-blue eyes.” [belonging to Tennessee coach Pat Summitt]She said that the intensity of their games was so high. It was my first experience watching basketball played on television by women in beautiful orange shades. This inspired me to want to play basketball for Pat Head Summitt one day.
Neben her successes at Tennessee and the Fever, Catchings also played for U.S. Olympic Teams that won four Gold Medals in 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016.
Callan, USA Basketball’s National Team director, was responsible for putting together athletes, coaches, and administrators who won gold medals at the seven Olympics in which they competed, with the latest being in Tokyo.
Callan said, “The greatest motivation to have is to live with passion” The pursuit of gold is the greatest purpose.
A compelling goal is the best motivator. USA Basketball requires that everyone goes through an application process. Let everyone be themselves. Through basketball, we are all connected. We can be our best individually and collectively if we have a culture-based approach to teamwork.”