frequencies, she has permeated our national history. Her name is becoming

synonymous with the game of basketball, and her performance is legendary.

The unprecedented display on the hardwood has led her team to championship

victories and a secure hold in the record books. She possesses the talent

and determination worthy of our recognition, our praise and certainly our

awe.

Though she needs no introduction, Chamique Holdsclaw certainly deserves

the plethora of awards and honors she has accumulated in her first two years

as a Lady Vol. Winner of last season’s National Player of the Year award,

Holdsclaw led her team to back-to-back national championships in 1996 and

1997.

Holdsclaw has quickly surpassed the goals that many hope to achieve in

their lifetimes, and she quickens her pace to perfection with every swish

of the basket. Now, after a summer with the U.S. National team, she is back

in action for the Lady Vols.

The team has run its undefeated record to 26-0, and overall winning streak

to 32, as they continue to pick up momentum on their journey to a third

title. Holdsclaw scored a record 24 points in the second half against Old

Dominion University in their long-awaited showdown last Saturday. Recording

her 41st career double double and her second game of more than 30 points

in the last three games, Holdsclaw secured the pivotal win for the Lady

Vols.

Holdsclaw increases her excellence with every competition, dazzling the

courts and exciting the fans more with every game. Head coach Pat Summit

is certainly pleased with Holdsclaw’s recent performance.

“She is a pressure player who can produce. That’s why I think she

is the best player in the game,” said Summit, who notched her 650th

career win with the 85-61 victory over the Lady Monarchs.

Agreeing with the observations of Summit is ESPN, which awarded Holdsclaw

with an ESPY award on Monday night for top collegiate women’s basketball

player of the year. Now in the company of such athletic giants as Tiger

Woods, Ken Griffey Jr., and her role model Michael Jordan, Holdsclaw can

continue her quest to make further incomparable records, like the ones she

now holds at Tennessee.

As we pass her on campus and cheer her to victory on the basketball court,

we are in the presence of greatness. She is making history here at UT and

when she retires her Orange and White uniform, she will leave behind a legacy

of athletic excellence.

Fortunately for the team and the fans, Holdsclaw is still hitting the

boards for the Lady Vols and hungry for another title. As the season draws

to an end, the athletic sensation brings her team closer to the NCAA Championship

with every perfectly executed shot. Already possessing history-making statistics,

there is no doubt that Holdsclaw will exceed all expectations. Emerging

victorious from the confines of her hardwood stage, Chamique Holdsclaw has

become larger than life.

Copyright © 1998, The Daily Beacon. All rights reserved.