News Summary

Tai Dillard has officially been announced as one of the inductees into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame for the class of 2026. Dillard’s impressive career at San Antonio Sam Houston High School, where she excelled in multiple sports, alongside her successful college and coaching journey, makes her a standout figure in basketball. The induction banquet will take place on May 9, 2026, in San Antonio, coinciding with the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Clinic.

Big News in San Antonio: Tai Dillard Joins the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame!

San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame announced its highly anticipated 2026 induction class. Mark your calendars for May 9, 2026, when the induction banquet will take place at the Doubletree By Hilton San Antonio Airport. This event promises to be a memorable celebration as part of the annual Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Clinic.

Welcome to the Hall of Fame, Tai Dillard!

One of the standout inductees in this elite group is none other than Tai Dillard. Tai made waves during her days as a student-athlete at San Antonio Sam Houston High School. It’s safe to say she’s well-deserving of this honor!

A High School Superstar

During her remarkable high school career, Tai was not just a star on the basketball court. She was a true athletic powerhouse, excelling in four different sports: basketball, cross country, volleyball, and track. As a three-year starter for Sam Houston, she led her team to back-to-back State Tournaments in 1998 and 1999. Tai’s impressive performances earned her accolades like All-City and All-State honors in both 1997 and 1998 and she was crowned Miss Texas Basketball in 1999.

Her talent didn’t go unnoticed, as in 2021, Tai was recognized as one of the Top 100 players in UIL history—a testament to her incredible skills and contributions to the game.

A Successful College Journey

After wrapping up her successful high school career, Tai took her talents to the University of Texas, where she played under the legendary coach Jody Conradt. During her time at Texas, Tai experienced the thrill of four consecutive NCAA tournaments and was part of the team that reached the 2003 Final Four. Her academic achievements also stood out as she earned her place on the Big 12 All-Academic team twice. Talk about multitasking!

From Player to Coach

Tai continued to chase her passion for basketball beyond her college years. She played professionally for the San Antonio Silver Stars from 2003 to 2005, showcasing her talent on a larger stage. Fast forward to May 1, 2025, when Tai accepted the role of head coach for the Prairie View A&M University Lady Panthers. This new chapter promises to be exciting, especially since she is set to lead her team against the Longhorns in Austin on December 7, 2025.

Impressive Coaching Career

Before stepping into her head coaching role, Tai was the Associate Head Coach at the University of Houston from 2016 to 2024. There, she played a pivotal role in guiding her teams to multiple postseason appearances, further solidifying her reputation as an influential figure in women’s basketball.

Her coaching journey has also taken her to Ole Miss, USC, and UTSA. Interestingly enough, she launched her coaching career at Sam Houston High School, coming full circle from her days as a student-athlete.

What’s Next for Tai Dillard?

Tai holds a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from the University of Texas and a master’s degree in Sports Leadership from Texas Southern University. Outside of basketball, she enjoys a fulfilling family life with her husband, Brandon Mouton, a former Texas men’s basketball player. Together, they are raising two energetic sons who are sure to be influenced by their mom’s love for sports.

As Tai takes this exciting step into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame, the San Antonio community and basketball fans alike have a lot to celebrate. Tai Dillard’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring, and her induction is a reminder of the incredible talent that Texas high schools nurture. So here’s to a well-deserved place in the Hall of Fame—what an amazing achievement!

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