Callan Announced as Finalist for Women's Basketball Hall of Fame

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Long-time Colorado women's basketball radio analyst Carol Callan was announced as one of 12 finalists for the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame on Thursday. 

The finalists were announced during the Baylor's upset win over No.1 Connecticut on ESPN. The class of 2020 will be announced on ESPN2 during the Connecticut at South Carolina game on Feb. 10.

The other finalists announced were Debbie Brock (Veteran Player), Doug Bruno (Coach), Swin Cash-Canal (Player), Tamika Catchings (Player), Sue Donohoe (Contributor), Lauren Jackson (International Player), Lucille Kyvallos (Veteran Coach), Lisa Mattingly (Official), Paul Sanderford (Coach), Bob Schneider (Coach), and Carol Stiff (Contributor). Callan has spent more than 35 years on the radio call for the Buffaloes. She currently serves as the Women's National Team Director, acting as a liaison to women's competition committees and responsible for all USA Basketball women's team programs, including competitions, trials and training camps. Callan was the National Team director for the 1995-96 USA Basketball Women's National Team that posted a perfect 52-0 record, culminating with an 8-0 record and the gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta. Beginning in 1996, the National Team has a record of 100-1 in World Cup and Olympic competition, winning gold medals at 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016 Olympic Games, and the 1998, 2002, 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups. 

Callan chairs the National Team Steering Committee, National Team Player Selection Committee and the Developmental National Team Committee for USA Basketball. She also serves as the President of FIBA Americas and is a member of the FIBA Competition Commission. 

Before becoming the National Team Director, Callan spent seven years as a volunteer committee member. She served on USA Basketball's Executive Committee as secretary from 1992 to 1995, and from 1989 to 1995 was a member of the Women's Player Selection Committee and served as chair from 1992-95. Additionally, Callan was a member of the Women's Programs Committee from 1992-95. 

Callan's ties to Colorado run deep. She earned two master's degrees from the University of Colorado in business administration and physical education. Callan also spent 10 years as director of athletics/activities and two years as an assistant principal at Fairview High School.  

In addition to the announcement of the 12 finalists, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame announced its recipient for the "Trailblazers of the Game" award that is given to teams or organizations for their contributions to the game of women's basketball. The 2020 "Trailblazers of the Game" recipient is the 1980 United States Olympic Women's Basketball Team. The 1980 United States Olympic Women's Basketball Team will join ten other teams and organizations that have been recognized as "Trailblazers of the Game" by the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame.