June 16, 2008

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Duquesne women's head basketball coach Suzie McConnell-Serio joined the Class of 2008 that was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame Saturday at the Bijou Theatre in Knoxville, Tenn. They joined an already prestigious group of inductees as the WBHOF celebrated its 10th Anniversary in style.

The 2008 Induction weekend kicked off Friday, June 13 with a private inductee tour of the WBHOF, media session and finally a welcome dinner for Inductees, past and present, family and friends and Board Members.

During Friday night's festivities, the Class of 2008 was given their autographed basketballs and commemorative WBHOF diamond pin. ESPN's Debbie Antonelli and Beth Mowins served as hosts for the evening where those gathered were given the opportunity to share stories about the 2008 Inductees.

McConnell-Serio was escorted by her father Tom McConnell and introduced by her sister Kathy McConnell-Miller.

"I am very fortunate to be part of this great game. Basketball made me the player I was and the person I am," said McConnell-Serio during her acceptance speech. She thanked her family for their support adding, "This is a very special occasion. I am grateful for everything that has happened and will never forget this moment."

McConnell-Serio joins award-winning official Patty Broderick, head coach of Central Arizona College Lin L. Laursen, head coach of the University of Virginia Debbie Ryan, former All-American at both the University of Tennessee and Wayland Baptist College Jill Rankin Schneider and three-time Olympian Michele Timms in the Class of 2008.