On Saturday, September 28, 2024, Leann Shieldknight Gillaspie was among five Wayland Baptist University former athletes inducted into the Wayland Baptist Athletics Hall of Honor. Below are her remarks presented at the ceremony.
Thank you deeply for this honor! I am incredibly humbled as I acknowledge this recognition places my name among some truly talented and deserving ladies that made deep impacts in the women’s basketball world.
Obviously, my basketball career was greatly impacted by the hall of fame coach, the late Dean Weese. He created the love of basketball deep in my soul, taught the fundamentals and skills, expecting perfection, and motivated his players to strive to excel on a daily basis. My accolades are to Dean Weese.
I also would like to give praise and say thanks to my teammates! They are the ones who worked hard every day to better themselves, yes, but as a team, unified, all of us worked to achieve a goal of excellence. YOU made me better athletically, and as a person – YOU molded me. I offer my heartfelt thanks to each one of you! Thank you, Flying Queens sisters!
I received continuing support and encouragement from my family. They picked me up when I was struggling and celebrated heartily in the victories. I am eternally grateful to my family, most have passed on, but one was there, encouraging and celebrating just like old times. Thank you, Marcia!
I would be remiss to fail to express my thanks to those trailblazing Hutcherson Flying Queens, those brave and visionary ladies who paved the way for women’s basketball at our Wayland Baptist University. They broke the mold, proving that girls COULD play ball and play it well. I extend my thanks to you!
I also extend my thanks to Claude and Wilda Hutcherson and family for their abundant generosity in making our travel comfortable, flying us to destinations safely, and making us the envy of all other programs. They willingly invested themselves in the HUTCHERSON Flying Queens, never expecting anything in return. Their love of the game and for its players remains very much appreciated!
The history of the Hutcherson Flying Queens is steeped in Dr. J.W. Marshall and Wayland’s foresight to create an avenue in women’s basketball that led to the greatness of which we all are privy today. Thank you, Wayland Baptist University, for being the 1st scholarshipped women’s basketball program, believing in the value of women’s basketball and developing the pattern for others to mimic.
So, to Coach Weese, my fabulous teammates, my family, the trailblazing Queens, the Hutcherson family, and WBU, thank you for this honor! And ultimately, I thank God for placing my life right in the midst of all this. A place where I was influenced to become the person God was molding me to be.
My heart is overwhelmed!
Thank you Leann! I’m sure Dean knows that you’re thanking him and for mentioning him during your induction into Wayland’s Hall of Honor! He was so proud of your accomplishments! Our family is so happy for you and we love you more than you know! Thank you and once again just know we’re proud you were a part of our years at WBU!
What a beautiful speech by a beautiful lady! Congratulations Leann!