Jan. 5, 2010

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Campbellsville University's all-time winningest coach and NAIA Hall of Famer is dragging down yet another top honor. Donna Wise, who won nearly 71 percent of her basketball games, will be inducted into the Kentucky Athletic Hall of Fame during an April ceremony in Louisville.

"I'm just pleased for the program and the recognition that this might bring to it," said Wise while vacationing in Florida. "I'm happy for the players who contributed to my success and the university's.

"Just being in the company with all the people who have been recognized over the years is a special honor."

Joining Wise at this year's induction ceremony will be University of Kentucky All-American Mike Pratt, former University of Louisville quarterback Jeff Brohm, NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip, SEC football pioneer Wilbur Hacket, Western Kentucky All-American basketball player Lillie Mason, former UK offensive lineman Dan Neal, and golf trick-shot artist Buddy Demling.

"I think it is great that the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame has recognized Donna for her accomplishments as a coach. She is very deserving of this honor," CU Director of Athletics Rusty Hollingsworth said.

"This is a wonderful honor and recognition of the way Donna poured herself into the lives of her players and students," said Dr. Michael V. Carter, Campbellsville University president.

Wise coached at Campbellsville University for 30-plus years and retired after her 32nd season.

She coached more than 650 wins for the Lady Tigers, nearly 71 percent of her games and is in the NAIA Basketball Hall of Fame. She has coached 23 NAIA All-Americans and was herself named NAIA Coach of the Year three times and conference Coach of the Year seven times. Her teams played in 16 national tournaments, winning 17 regular season conference titles. She currently serves as chair of CU’s Department of Human Performance.

Ginger Colvin, who played under Wise, was her assistant and has now taken over as head coach of the Lady Tigers said:

"It's hard for me to put into words what she has meant to the program and to me personally. Her determination and work ethic - the way she studied the game and her opponents was the best training I could have had.

"I know I'll never be able to duplicate what she has done, but to carrying on the Lady Tiger tradition is as much an honor for me as, I'm sure, the Hall of Fame honor is for her."