Maya Moore-Irons Inducted into Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

Maya Moore-Irons Inducted into Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame

Saturday night was a momentous occasion for Maya Moore-Irons as she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the 2024 class. Moore-Irons, a basketball icon known for her incredible success in both college and professional basketball, was honored for her outstanding career achievements.

The 6-foot forward from Lawrenceville, Georgia, began her career at the University of Connecticut, where she led the Huskies to two NCAA championships and set numerous records. Moore-Irons was a four-time consensus First Team All-American and won multiple prestigious awards, including the Wooden Award and Naismith Award.

In the WNBA, Moore-Irons continued to shine, winning four championships with the Minnesota Lynx and earning accolades such as the WNBA MVP and Finals MVP. She was also a key player on the US national team, winning two Olympic gold medals and two FIBA World Championship gold medals.

However, Moore-Irons’ career took a different turn when she decided to step away from basketball in 2019 to focus on seeking justice for her husband, Jonathan Irons, who was wrongfully convicted and incarcerated for over two decades. Moore-Irons dedicated herself to criminal justice reform and officially announced her retirement in 2023.

In her acceptance speech at the Hall of Fame induction, Moore-Irons expressed gratitude to her husband and reflected on the journey that led her to this moment. She emphasized the importance of being a great teammate and leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

As Moore-Irons takes her place among the basketball legends in the Hall of Fame, her legacy as a player and an advocate for justice will continue to inspire others both on and off the court.