Courtest / UT Athletics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Southeastern Conference announced its 2024 Class of Women’s Legends, and the University of Tennessee is represented by the illustrious Monica Abbott, who played for the Lady Vols’ softball program from 2004-07.
The 2024 collection of SEC Women’s Legends showcases former student-athletes and coaches from all 14 SEC member institutions. The women’s legends program began in 2001 with classes chosen every year except for 2021 and 2022.
This year’s class will be honored at the 2024 SEC Women’s Basketball Tournament, held March 6-10 in Greenville, South Carolina. Each legend will be recognized during half-time of their team’s first game of the tournament, as well as in a group introduction at halftime of the second semifinal game on Saturday.
One of the most decorated players in the history of college softball, Monica Abbott threw an astonishing 23 no-hitters and six perfect games during her Tennessee career and led the Lady Vols to three consecutive Women’s College World Series appearances (2005-07), with a runner-up finish in 2007.
Abbott logged 10 wins in the circle in her three appearances at the Women’s College World Series.
Through four stellar seasons at Tennessee, she posted an incredible 189-34 record, a 0.79 ERA, 112 shutouts, 2,440 strikeouts and 125 games with 10 or more strikeouts. She also became the first pitcher in NCAA Division I history to record 500 strikeouts in four different seasons.
During her career, Abbott was named the SEC Pitcher of the Year three times – still the only three-time winner in SEC history – and capped her final season at Tennessee by taking home the Honda Award for Softball, the Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year, the Roy F. Kramer SEC Female Athlete of the Year award and the USA Softball National Player of the Year award.
Abbott is a two-time Olympian with Team USA and a three-time World Champion. She was inducted into the Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017 and was the first Tennessee softball player to have her jersey retired on March 23, 2013.
The 2024 Women’s Legends group includes:
Dee Foster, Alabama, Gymnastics (1990-93)
Krystal Osborne, Arkansas, Volleyball (1994-97)
DeWanna Bonner, Auburn, Basketball (2006-09)
Kiara Smith, Florida, Basketball (2018-22)
Ashley Houts, Georgia, Basketball (2006-10)
Molly Johnson-Belcher, Kentucky, Softball (2007-10)
Theresa Plaisance, LSU, Basketball (2010-14)
Ali Weisz, Ole Miss, Rifle (2013-17)
Tan White, Mississippi State, Basketball (1997-2001)
Bri Kulas, Missouri, Basketball (2012-14)
Blakely Mattern, South Carolina, Soccer (2006-09)
Monica Abbott, Tennessee, Softball (2004-07)
Jessica Beard, Texas A&M, Track & Field (2008-11)
Christina Foggie, Vanderbilt, Basketball (2011-14)
