KNOXVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 4, 2026 – Dana Hart, president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, has announced she is retiring from her full-time position and shift into a consultant role to assist with induction planning and programming while the Hall’s Board of Governors (BOG) initiates the process to select a new leader.
Hart, who has resided in Knoxville for 28 years, started working at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2002 and was promoted to president in 2008.
“The Board of Governors of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the citizens of Knox County are proud of Dana’s contributions over more than two decades,” said Michael Strickland, BOG chair and CEO of Bandit Lites in Knoxville. “Her dedication to promoting and celebrating the best of the game is evidenced by the wonderful displays and exhibits that feature over 200 inductees and their achievements.”
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame eight inductees for the Saturday, June 27, 2026, ceremony at the Tennessee Theatre are Candace Parker (Tennessee and WNBA); Elena Delle Donne (Delaware and WNBA); Cheryl Reeve (four-time WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx head coach); Kim Muhl (nine-time NJCAA national champion coach of Kirkwood Community College); Isabelle Fijalkowski (Colorado and French national team); pro basketball television commentator Doris Burke; Amaya Valdemoro (Houston Comets, Spain Olympian); and Clemson’s Barbara Kennedy-Dixon (posthumous honoree).
The inductees will be presented at the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Final Four and community activities in Phoenix on April 3-5, 2026.
“It has been my honor to serve as president of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and help fulfill the official mission of ‘Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, Promote the Future,’ ” Hart said. “So many people have been dedicated to our sport, and its legendary players, coaches and leaders, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this incredible institution for 23 years.
“While I am retiring as president of the Hall, I am staying involved for the Class of 2026 induction ceremony and will assist with the transition to new leadership. My service and dedication to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame have been an important part of my life, and I know the Hall will continue to thrive and shine a spotlight on everything that makes women’s basketball so special.”
The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame has nearly 30 exhibits, many of which are updated on a regular basis, including the permanent exhibit to honor the late Pat Summitt that opened in 2025.
Hart earned a bachelor’s degree in business with minors in women’s studies and fashion from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, the second-oldest women’s college in the country. Her community service has included active participation for Stephens College Circle of Mentors; Tennessee Hospitality & Tourism Association board; Knoxville Executive Women’s Association (EWA); Farragut/West Knox Chamber of Commerce; Greater Knoxville Hospitality Association; Knoxville Chapter of the Women Leaders Association; Alzheimer’s Association; and the International Sports Heritage Association, where she served as past president.
“On behalf of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Board of Trustees, we thank Dana Hart for 23 years of hard, dedicated work to the Hall,” Chris Plonsky, Board of Trustee Chair, said. “Her stewardship efforts have served inductees, players, coaches, contributors, stakeholders and fans of the sport. Youngsters who tour the Hall visualize their dreams of emulating those who have been appropriately immortalized in the only Hall of Fame exclusively dedicated to all levels of women’s basketball. We appreciate Dana contributing as Hall leaders embark upon completing this staff transition. ”
About the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame
Founded in 1999, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (WBHOF), located in Knoxville, Tennessee, honors the greatest players, coaches, contributors, and officials in women’s basketball history. The WBHOF is the only facility of its kind, recognizing excellence at all levels of the sport, from high school and collegiate competition to professional and international play. The Hall is home to more than 200 inductees and works to preserve the legacy of women’s basketball through its museum, educational programming, special events, and annual induction ceremony.
Media Contact
Zadie Fiveash, Communications Manager
zadie@wbhof.com
865-633-9000 ext 236
