Bettye Giles Announced as 2020 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, TN – Feb. 18, 2020 – Bettye Giles, a nationwide innovator who advocated for women’s equality in sports in Tennessee, is a 2020 Inductee of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. It was announced during the halftime show of the University of Tennessee Martin basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 15.

Clarksville, Tennessee native Bettye Giles founded the Tennessee College Women’s Sports Federation, serving on numerous national committees promoting women’s sports. The organization began with 18 colleges and universities and grew to 34 institutions by 1973.

Giles was instrumental in the development of athletic opportunities, beginning the women’s tennis program at University of Tennessee Martin – it was the first women’s sport to achieve varsity status at UT Martin. Giles even convinced a then-UT Martin freshman Pat Head Summitt to play volleyball as a “conditioner” for basketball season. Summitt went on to become one of the best coaches in basketball history.

“I can think of no one more befitting of the honor of Tennessee Sports Hall of Famer than Bettye Giles,” said Brad Willis, Chief Advancement and Operations Officer for the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. “Her contributions to athletics across the state and throughout the nation over the last half-century cannot be overstated. Her story is one that the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame will be happy to share for years to come.”

In 1969, Giles was entrusted as the school’s first and only director of women’s athletics and served until 1994. For her work, she received the Pathfinder Award from the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports.

Giles’ leadership and activism for women’s athletics coincided with the Title IX education amendments of 1972, which requires federally-funded educational institutions to provide fair and equal treatment in all areas of educational programming, including sports. Title IX was enacted by the U.S. Congress on June 23, 1972.

The full 2020 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class will be released in the coming weeks.

Information regarding tickets for the 2020 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be announced at a later date.

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame honors figures from every sport including basketball, baseball, football, golf, soccer and track & field, along with coaches, teams, sports writers and others who made an impact. The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development oversees all operations along with the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors.

For more information, visit www.tshf.net.

About the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame

Established in 1966, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame enshrines and honors athletes, teams, coaches, sports writers and sports administrators who have made an impact on the history of Tennessee sports. The Hall serves as a platform to connect athletes, coaches, sports fans, and supporters by acknowledging life achievements implemented through sports. The Hall celebrates athletes of all forms, from all across the state. Additionally, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame aspires to educate youth about the importance of healthy habits and the positive impact they have on lifestyle choices. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is located at 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for children and can be purchased at the Visitor Center in Bridgestone Arena, right outside of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Group rates are available for 10 or more. For more information, visit www.tshf.net.

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