News Summary

San Antonio is set to celebrate the induction of Tai Dillard into the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2026. The ceremony will coincide with the TABC Clinic, where other prominent figures in basketball will also be honored. Dillard, known for her incredible journey as a player and coach, has made significant contributions both on and off the court. Fans eagerly anticipate the festivities that will honor her legacy in the sport.

San Antonio Welcomes a New Hall of Fame Inductee

Excitement is in the air for basketball fans and sports enthusiasts in San Antonio as the Texas High School Basketball Hall of Fame has unveiled its 2026 inductees, and one name stands out—Tai Dillard. With an impressive background as a player and coach, Dillard is set to make a mark in the Hall of Fame, and her induction is anticipated to be a grand celebration.

The Induction Ceremony

The official induction banquet is scheduled for May 9, 2026, and will take place at the cozy Doubletree By Hilton San Antonio Airport. It’s going to be a special night for anyone who has followed Dillard’s amazing journey throughout her career. The banquet coincides with the beloved annual Texas Association of Basketball Coaches (TABC) Clinic, making it a significant event for everyone involved in Texas basketball.

Celebrating a Basketball Legend

Joining Tai Dillard in the 2026 class are other noteworthy figures in the basketball community, including distinguished coaches like Jeff Bell, Donna Capps, Jerry Cassell, and Karen Aulenbacher-Heintz. On the player side, Dillard will also be honored alongside talents such as Derrick Daniels, Karl Godine, and Sara Hinkley.

Tai Dillard’s Incredible Journey

Tai Dillard wasn’t just an athlete; she was a force of nature at San Antonio Sam Houston High School. Dillard absolutely shined as a three-year starter for her basketball team, leading them to not one but two back-to-back State Tournaments in 1998 and 1999. Beyond basketball, she also showcased her athletic prowess in four different sports including cross country, volleyball, and track!

During her high school years, she earned the accolades of All-City and All-State in both 1997 and 1998. The pinnacle of her high school career came in 1999 when she was celebrated as Miss Texas Basketball, marking her as one of the best high school players in the state. Notably, she was named one of the Top 100 players in UIL history in 2021, solidifying her legendary status.

A Stellar College Career

After graduating, Tai took her talents to the University of Texas, where she played under the famous coach Jody Conradt. Dillard was a part of the team that made it to four consecutive NCAA tournaments and reached the thrilling Final Four in 2003. Besides her on-court achievements, she was recognized for her academic excellence, making the Big 12 All-Academic team twice during her collegiate career.

Transition to Professional Basketball

After college, Dillard got the chance to play professionally with the San Antonio Silver Stars in the WNBA. Her journey did not stop there, however, as she continued to pursue her passion for basketball in a different capacity.

Coaching Aspirations

Most recently, on May 1, 2025, she was appointed as the head coach of the Prairie View A&M University Lady Panthers Basketball Team. This new role allows her to pass on her hard-won wisdom and skills to the next generation of players. Fans are particularly eager for the upcoming match where Dillard’s team will face the Texas Longhorns in Austin on December 7, 2025.

The buzz surrounding Tai Dillard’s induction and career is palpable, and many are already marking their calendars for this exciting event. As San Antonio celebrates her achievements, it’s clear that Dillard’s contributions to basketball—on and off the court—will leave a lasting impact.

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