RECOGNIZING MICHELLE SMITH-McDONALD

On 2025-04-08, Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING MICHELLE SMITH-McDONALD" in the House.

RECOGNIZING MICHELLE SMITH-McDONALD

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 8, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E299] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING MICHELLE SMITH-McDONALD ______ HON. ERIC SWALWELL of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, April 8, 2025 Mr. SWALWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the remarkable achievements of Michelle Smith-McDonald, who has been elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a recipient of the 2025 Curt Gowdy Media Award. Her induction into the Hall of Fame stands as a testament to her decades-long commitment to advancing women's sports journalism and her influential voice within the world of basketball. A trailblazer in her field, Michelle Smith-McDonald became ESPN.com's first-ever regular women's basketball columnist in the 1990's. Over her distinguished career, she has covered women's professional and collegiate sports for some of the Nation's most prominent outlets, including ESPN, the San Francisco Chronicle, AOL Fanhouse, and espnW. Her dedication to elevating women's sports through insightful reporting and compelling storytelling has spotlighted generations of athletes, coaches, and programs, contributing to the growth and visibility of women's sports nationwide. Michelle's contributions extend beyond her work as a journalist. She also has demonstrated her leadership and service in public relations at San Jose State University and the Alameda County Office of Education. Her dedication to public service further includes her tenure as an elected official on the Zone 7 Water Agency Board of Directors. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has rightly recognized Michelle Smith-McDonald as a trailblazer and visionary whose work has broadened opportunities and raised the profile of women's sports. As a resident of the Bay Area for over three decades, Michelle also has celebrated and supported the talent emerging from local programs like Stanford, Cal, and the newly launched Golden State Valkyries of the WNBA. It is my honor to acknowledge Michelle Smith-McDonald's induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame and to commend her for her lifelong dedication to sports journalism, advocacy, and service. She has left an indelible mark on the world of basketball and inspired countless individuals along the way. We join her friends, family, colleagues, and admirers in celebrating this extraordinary achievement. ____________________