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A Resolution honoring ESPN Basketball Analyst and Vanderbilt Commodore Carolyn Peck.
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WHEREAS, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Title IX on June 23, 2022, the Metropolitan Council desires to recognize Nashvillians who have made not only a significant and long-lasting impact as an athlete, but have also opened doors, removed barriers, and encouraged participation in sports for girls and women; and
WHEREAS, Jefferson City native Carolyn Peck was Tennessee’s Miss Basketball at Jefferson County High School, a Parade All-American and one of the nation’s top recruits; and
WHEREAS, Peck went on to play basketball at Vanderbilt University from 1985-1988 where she earned a bachelor’s degree in communications and averaged 10.6 points a game and 5.8 rebounds, becoming the program’s first All-American candidate, the school’s No. 6 career scorer, and played on the team that earned the school’s first NCAA Tournament bid; and
WHEREAS, after graduating and working in corporate America, Peck returned to the game of basketball, playing professionally overseas in Italy and China; and
WHEREAS, Peck began her coaching career as an assistant to Lady Vols Coach Pat Summitt, became an assistant coach at the University of Kentucky after two championship seasons at the University of Tennessee, and served as an assistant coach for USA Basketball; and
WHEREAS, after serving as head coach at Purdue University for two seasons, Peck won the 1999 NCAA Championship, making history as the first Black coach of a Women’s Division I national championship basketball team; and
WHEREAS, Peck served three seasons as head coach and general manager of the WNBA’s Orlando Miracle, a stint that included a trip to the 2000 WNBA playoffs; and
WHEREAS, Peck was Head Coach at the University of Florida for five seasons, and then returned to Vanderbilt, her alma mater as Associate Head Coach for two seasons; and
WHEREAS, Peck originally joined ESPN in 2001, and returned in 2007 as a basketball analyst for both college and professional women’s and men’s basketball, including the NBA and WNBA, and is currently an analyst for ESPN and SEC Network’s women’s college basketball coverage; and
WHEREAS, Peck was inducted into the Vanderbilt Hall of Fame in 2013, inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, was named the Women’s Basketball coach of the Year by the Associated Press in 1999, and was also the first woman and African-American to win the Winged Foot Award honoring the best coach in college basketball that same year; and
WHEREAS, Peck, who has used her platform to promote and grow women’s basketball, is one of the most accomplished national figures in women’s basketball; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council goes on record as recognizing the groundbreaking achievements of Carolyn Peck and her contributions to women’s sports at the local, state, national, and international levels.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as recognizing and honoring ESPN Basketball Analyst and Vanderbilt Commodore Carolyn Peck.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.