Feb. 7, 2007
Columbia, S.C. – Michelle Marciniak keeps the memento in a drawer in her office: a photograph of her speaking at the White House as President Clinton looks on after Tennessee’s run to the 1996 national championship. It just so happens that the same exact picture is on display at the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in Knoxville, TN, one of two snapshots of the Gamecocks’ assistant coach located at the facility.
“It’s an honor to be represented in the Hall of Fame in any way, shape, or form,” said Marciniak, the 1996 Final Four MVP. “Winning the national championship gave me that opportunity.”
Marciniak participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the museum before it opened in 1999. Now she was back with the rest of the Gamecocks as they soaked up the history of women’s college basketball before facing the Lady Vols. After watching an introductory video, the players circulated among the different exhibits and artifacts. But they quickly flocked to the photos of Marciniak, especially the action shot of her guarding an opponent on the perimeter.
“She looked real different,” joked senior guard Lea Fabbri. “But it’s great to see one of our coaches there because she is real special. I’m proud that she has been able to coach me.”
Marciniak can certainly relate because Lady Vols Head Coach Pat Summitt was a part of the inaugural induction class. Not only is her 1976 Olympic jersey on display, but visitors can watch one of her pre-game speeches while sitting in a replica locker room, plus pep talks from other coaches like Connecticut’s Geno Auriemma.
“Pat Summitt is in every piece of that Hall of Fame,” said Marciniak. “She has been an icon in women’s basketball. It’s her town, so I think it’s appropriate that it’s in Knoxville.”
Another stop on the tour is the Ring of Honor, where more than 100 jerseys hang representing the best players at the professional, collegiate, and high school ranks. The Gamecocks have faced more than a dozen of those names this season. Not too far away is a large map of the United States labeled with the most recent high school state champions, including Malcolm X. Shabazz in Newark, N.J., alma mater of freshman Kellindra Zackery.
“Seeing my school up there and all of the All-American jerseys were my favorite parts,” she declared after filming the whole experience with her video camera. “It makes me want my jersey up there. I want somebody in the future to come and say, `I know her, and I admire her.'”
Head Coach Susan Walvius was hoping to elicit that reaction from her players, which is why it won’t be the last time the Gamecocks will take a small detour when traveling to Knoxville.
“This was a great experience for our team,” she said. “I don’t think that a lot of the young people are aware of the history of our sport. The Hall of Fame is just a brilliant display of the past, present, and future of women’s basketball.”
That’s precisely the mission statement of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. The Gamecocks left the museum on a mission of their own: to accomplish a feat worthy of a place in the Hall. They don’t have to look very far down their own bench to find an inspiration.
Fast Break Points
Milestone Marker: Congratulations to senior Lauren Simms, the 26th member of Carolina’s 1,000 point club. Fellow senior Iva Sliskovic is hoping to be the 27th, as she is just 61 points shy.
Programming Note: Don’t miss another edition of the Susan Walvius TV show, Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. on Time Warner Cable Channel 7.
