Rutgers University has announced its 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame class, with former women’s basketball star Kahleah Copper leading the distinguished group. Copper, currently a guard for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA, will be inducted alongside notable athletes including field hockey standout Amy Lewis, sprinter Gabrielle Farquharson, and men’s soccer legend Steve Rammel.
From Rutgers Women’s Basketball to WNBA All-Star
During her collegiate career, Copper was a dominant force for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, competing for four seasons under renowned coach C. Vivian Stringer. She led the team in scoring for three consecutive years, amassing an impressive 1,872 points, which remains third all-time in Rutgers history behind only Sue Wicks and Cappie Pondexter.
Her sophomore year marked a significant milestone as she played a pivotal role in Rutgers’ 2014 WNIT championship victory, earning the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honors. These achievements foreshadowed a professional career filled with accolades and success.
Selected seventh overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics, Copper’s journey took a decisive turn with a trade to the Chicago Sky in 2017. There, she became a key contributor to the Sky’s 2021 WNBA championship team and was named Finals MVP for her outstanding performance.
Most recently, Copper’s move to the Phoenix Mercury has only enhanced her professional résumé. In the 2024 season, she posted a career-best average of 21.1 points per game, ranking third in the entire league for scoring. That same year, she also captured Olympic gold with Team USA at the Paris Games, further cementing her status as an elite player on the global stage.
Rutgers plans to formally recognize Copper and her fellow inductees during a ceremony scheduled for October, celebrating their lasting impact on the university’s athletic tradition and their exceptional achievements beyond campus.