Lady Vols basketball players at the Olympics through the years

Candace Parker goes for a layup around Emmeline Ndongue during the gold medal game of the London 2012 Olympic Games between the U.S. and France on Aug. 11, 2012. Parker dazzled with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the 86-50 win.
Candace Parker goes for a layup around Emmeline Ndongue during the gold medal game of the London 2012 Olympic Games between the U.S. and France on Aug. 11, 2012. Parker dazzled with 21 points and 11 rebounds in the 86-50 win.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Nikki McCray holds up the American flag after the U.S. won the gold medal game against Australia on Sept. 30, 2000 at the Sydney Summer Olympics at the Sydney Superdome on Sept. 30, 2000. The United States defeated Australia 76-54.
Nikki McCray holds up the American flag after the U.S. won the gold medal game against Australia on Sept. 30, 2000 at the Sydney Summer Olympics at the Sydney Superdome on Sept. 30, 2000. The United States defeated Australia 76-54.
Darren McNamara, Getty Images
Tamika Catchings and Natalie Achonwa go for a rebound during a Group B basketball game between Canada and USA at the Youth Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Tamika Catchings and Natalie Achonwa go for a rebound during a Group B basketball game between Canada and USA at the Youth Arena in Rio de Janeiro on Aug. 12, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
MARK RALSTON, AFP Via Getty Images
Candace Parker dribbles the ball during a game between the U.S. and China at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena on Aug. 5, 2012 in London, England.
Candace Parker dribbles the ball during a game between the U.S. and China at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena on Aug. 5, 2012 in London, England.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
Candace Parker goes for a layup past Tereza Peckova during the Group A game between the U.S. and Czech Republic during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 3, 2012.
Candace Parker goes for a layup past Tereza Peckova during the Group A game between the U.S. and Czech Republic during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 3, 2012.
Sergio Perez, REUTERS
The United States players pose for a photo with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for the Women's Basketball at the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on Aug. 11, 2012 in London, England.
The United States players pose for a photo with their gold medals during the medal ceremony for the Women's Basketball at the London 2012 Olympic Games at North Greenwich Arena on Aug. 11, 2012 in London, England.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
Candace Parker hugs Lisa Leslie as they celebrate with Sylvia Fowles and Delisha Milton-Jones after beating Australia in the gold medal game of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. USA defeated Australia 92-65 on Aug 23, 2008.
Candace Parker hugs Lisa Leslie as they celebrate with Sylvia Fowles and Delisha Milton-Jones after beating Australia in the gold medal game of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. USA defeated Australia 92-65 on Aug 23, 2008.
Bob Donnan USA TODAY Sports
Former Lady Vols Nikki McCray and Chamique Holdsclaw of Team USA talk during a USA Team Olympic Training Game against Team USA Select on Sept. 3, 2000 at the Stan Sherif Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Former Lady Vols Nikki McCray and Chamique Holdsclaw of Team USA talk during a USA Team Olympic Training Game against Team USA Select on Sept. 3, 2000 at the Stan Sherif Center in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Harry How, Getty Images
Candace Parker embraces Kara Lawson after the U.S. defeated Australia in the women's gold medal game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008. The two former Lady Vols led the U.S. in scoring to win gold.
Candace Parker embraces Kara Lawson after the U.S. defeated Australia in the women's gold medal game at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008. The two former Lady Vols led the U.S. in scoring to win gold.
Lucy Nicholson, REUTERS
Tamika Catchings and Lisa Leslie of the U.S. celebrate point during their women's quarterfinal game at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games on Aug. 25, 2004.
Tamika Catchings and Lisa Leslie of the U.S. celebrate point during their women's quarterfinal game at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games on Aug. 25, 2004.
Adrees Latif, REUTERS
Tamika Catchings goes up for a shot during a game between the U.S. and New Zealand at the Indoor Arena of the Helliniko Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece during the Athens 2004 Olympics on Aug. 14, 2004. The USA defeated New Zealand 99-47.
Tamika Catchings goes up for a shot during a game between the U.S. and New Zealand at the Indoor Arena of the Helliniko Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece during the Athens 2004 Olympics on Aug. 14, 2004. The USA defeated New Zealand 99-47.
Mark Dadswell, Getty Images
Candace Parker is guarded by Liz Cambage and Lauren Jackson during the women's basketball semifinal match between the U.S. and Australia at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2012.
Candace Parker is guarded by Liz Cambage and Lauren Jackson during the women's basketball semifinal match between the U.S. and Australia at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2012.
Mike Segar, REUTERS
Candace Parker and Maria Stepanova fight for a rebound during a game between the U.S. and Russia at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Aug. 21, 2008 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Candace Parker and Maria Stepanova fight for a rebound during a game between the U.S. and Russia at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Aug. 21, 2008 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Phil Walter, Getty Images
Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings and Sue Bird of United States celebrate winning their fourth Olympic gold medal together at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 20, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings and Sue Bird of United States celebrate winning their fourth Olympic gold medal together at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 20, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Tom Pennington, Getty Images
Team USA players pose after winning the gold medal at Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 20, 2016. Former Lady Vol Tamika Catchings won her fourth Olympic gold medal.
Team USA players pose after winning the gold medal at Rio 2016 Olympic Games on Aug. 20, 2016. Former Lady Vol Tamika Catchings won her fourth Olympic gold medal.
EMMANUEL DUNAND, AFP Via Getty Images
Tamika Catchings drives during a game between the U.S. and Spain on Aug. 20, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Indoor Arena of the Helliniko Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. The USA won 71-58.
Tamika Catchings drives during a game between the U.S. and Spain on Aug. 20, 2004 during the Athens 2004 Summer Olympic Games at the Indoor Arena of the Helliniko Olympic Complex in Athens, Greece. The USA won 71-58.
Nick Laham, Getty Images
Candace Parker tips off against Luca Ivankovic during a group play game between the U.S. and Croatia at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena on July 28, 2012 in London, England.
Candace Parker tips off against Luca Ivankovic during a group play game between the U.S. and Croatia at the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Basketball Arena on July 28, 2012 in London, England.
Richard Heathcote, Getty Images
Candace Parker reacts in the USA 104-60 victory against South Korea on Aug. 19, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Candace Parker reacts in the USA 104-60 victory against South Korea on Aug. 19, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Nikki McCray, left, Lisa Leslie, center, and Venus Lacey, right, of the USA celebrate beating Brazil 111-87 to win the gold medal at the Georgia Dome at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Nikki McCray, left, Lisa Leslie, center, and Venus Lacey, right, of the USA celebrate beating Brazil 111-87 to win the gold medal at the Georgia Dome at the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rick Stewart, Getty Images
Candace Parker goes for a layup against Hollie Grima during the gold medal game between the U.S. and Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Candace Parker goes for a layup against Hollie Grima during the gold medal game between the U.S. and Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
Candace Parker of the U.S. celebrates winning the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics with her daughter Lailaa during the victory ceremony at the North Greenwich Arena on Aug. 11, 2012.
Candace Parker of the U.S. celebrates winning the gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics with her daughter Lailaa during the victory ceremony at the North Greenwich Arena on Aug. 11, 2012.
Brian Snyder, REUTERS
Candace Parker dribbles as Younah Choi defends during the USA 104-60 victory against South Korea on Aug. 19, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Candace Parker dribbles as Younah Choi defends during the USA 104-60 victory against South Korea on Aug. 19, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
U.S. players Tina Thompson, Tamika Catchings, Lisa Leslie, Ruth Riley and Sheryl Swoops celebrate their gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games on Aug. 28, 2004. The U.S. beat Australia 74-63 in the women's gold medal game.
U.S. players Tina Thompson, Tamika Catchings, Lisa Leslie, Ruth Riley and Sheryl Swoops celebrate their gold medal at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games on Aug. 28, 2004. The U.S. beat Australia 74-63 in the women's gold medal game.
Adrees Latif, REUTERS
Breanna Stewart, Tamika Catchings and Elena Delle Donne of the U.S. laugh as they stand on the podium with gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug. 20, 2016.
Breanna Stewart, Tamika Catchings and Elena Delle Donne of the U.S. laugh as they stand on the podium with gold medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics on Aug. 20, 2016.
Chris Helgren, REUTERS
Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Tina Charles cheer on their teammates during a game between the U.S. and Turkey at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 1, 2012.
Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Tina Charles cheer on their teammates during a game between the U.S. and Turkey at the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 1, 2012.
Mike Segar, REUTERS
Candace Parker goes for a layup against Lauren Jackson during a game between the U.S. and Australia at the London 2012 Olympics Games at North Greenwich Arena on Aug. 9, 2012 in London, England.
Candace Parker goes for a layup against Lauren Jackson during a game between the U.S. and Australia at the London 2012 Olympics Games at North Greenwich Arena on Aug. 9, 2012 in London, England.
Christian Petersen, Getty Images
Tamika Catchings is greeted by the bench during the United States' against Senegal on Aug. 7, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Team USA defeated Senegal 121-56.
Tamika Catchings is greeted by the bench during the United States' against Senegal on Aug. 7, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Team USA defeated Senegal 121-56.
Geoff Burke, USA TODAY Sports
Tamika Catchings looks on during the women's semifinal game between the United States and France at the Carioca Arena at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on Aug. 18, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Tamika Catchings looks on during the women's semifinal game between the United States and France at the Carioca Arena at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games on Aug. 18, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
David Ramos, Getty Images
Candace Parker in her first Olympics before a game between the United States and China at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Aug. 11, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Candace Parker in her first Olympics before a game between the United States and China at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Aug. 11, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Streeter Lecka, Getty Images
Candace Parker drives against Bahar Caglar during the exhibition game between the U.S. and Turkey ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul on July 22, 2012.
Candace Parker drives against Bahar Caglar during the exhibition game between the U.S. and Turkey ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Abdi Ipekci Arena in Istanbul on July 22, 2012.
Osman Orsal, REUTERS
Candace Parker puts up a shot over Lauren Jackson during the women's basketball semifinal game between the U.S. and Australia at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2012.
Candace Parker puts up a shot over Lauren Jackson during the women's basketball semifinal game between the U.S. and Australia at the North Greenwich Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games on Aug. 9, 2012.
Sergio Perez, REUTERS
USA's Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie and Delisha Milton-Jones celebrate on the podium after the women's basketball gold medal match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The United States won their fourth straight Olympic women's basketball crown with a 92-65 triumph over Australia in the Beijing Games final.
USA's Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie and Delisha Milton-Jones celebrate on the podium after the women's basketball gold medal match of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 at the Olympic basketball Arena in Beijing. The United States won their fourth straight Olympic women's basketball crown with a 92-65 triumph over Australia in the Beijing Games final.
FILIPPO MONTEFORTE, AFP Via Getty Images
Tamika Catchings grabs a rebound during the women's basketball Olympic quarterfinals between the U.S. and Greece on Aug. 25, 2004 at the Olympic indoor Hall in Athens, Greece.
Tamika Catchings grabs a rebound during the women's basketball Olympic quarterfinals between the U.S. and Greece on Aug. 25, 2004 at the Olympic indoor Hall in Athens, Greece.
DON EMMERT, AFP Via Getty Images
Nikki McCray goes for a layup during Team USA's game against Japan at the Atlanta Olympics in the Georgia Dome on July 31, 1996.
Nikki McCray goes for a layup during Team USA's game against Japan at the Atlanta Olympics in the Georgia Dome on July 31, 1996.
Doug Pensinger, Getty Images
Aug 10, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Tamika Catchings (10) shoots the ball against Serbia power forward Jelena Milovanovic (9) during the women's basketball preliminary round in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Youth Arena.
Aug 10, 2016; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; USA forward Tamika Catchings (10) shoots the ball against Serbia power forward Jelena Milovanovic (9) during the women's basketball preliminary round in the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games at Youth Arena.
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Kara Lawson goes for a layup during the quarterfinal game between the U.S. and South Korea at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Aug.19, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Kara Lawson goes for a layup during the quarterfinal game between the U.S. and South Korea at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games at the Wukesong Indoor Stadium on Aug.19, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Ezra Shaw, Getty Images
Kara Lawson goes up for a shot against Penny Taylor during the gold medal game between the U.S. and Australia at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on Day 15 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Kara Lawson goes up for a shot against Penny Taylor during the gold medal game between the U.S. and Australia at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on Day 15 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Quinn Rooney, Getty Images
Kara Lawson celebrates after winning the gold medal against Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Kara Lawson celebrates after winning the gold medal against Australia at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Aug. 23, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Jeff Gross, Getty Images
Kara Lawson brings the ball up the court during the USA 108-63 victory against China on Aug. 11, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Kara Lawson brings the ball up the court during the USA 108-63 victory against China on Aug. 11, 2008 at the Beijing Olympic Basketball Stadium in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
United States players Delisha Milton-Jones, Kara Lawson and Sue Bird react on the podium after the USA 92-65 victory against Australia on Aug. 23, 2008 in the gold medal game at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
United States players Delisha Milton-Jones, Kara Lawson and Sue Bird react on the podium after the USA 92-65 victory against Australia on Aug. 23, 2008 in the gold medal game at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Bob Donnan, USA TODAY Sports
Nikki McCray during the USA Olympic Team Training game against Team Brazil on Sept. 2, 2000 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Team USA defeated Team Brazil 75-53.
Nikki McCray during the USA Olympic Team Training game against Team Brazil on Sept. 2, 2000 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Team USA defeated Team Brazil 75-53.
Harry How, Getty Images
Nikki McCray during one of the United States' games at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. McCray, a Lady Vol alum, won her second Olympic gold medal in 2000.
Nikki McCray during one of the United States' games at the Sydney 2000 Olympics. McCray, a Lady Vol alum, won her second Olympic gold medal in 2000.
Stuart Franklin, Action Images
USA coach Tara VanDerveer talks with Nikki McCray during a game against South Korea on July 29, 1996 at the Georgia Dome during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
USA coach Tara VanDerveer talks with Nikki McCray during a game against South Korea on July 29, 1996 at the Georgia Dome during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Tim Dillon, USA TODAY
Nikki McCray drives past Sandy Brondello during a game between the U.S. and Australia on Aug. 2, 1996 at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Nikki McCray drives past Sandy Brondello during a game between the U.S. and Australia on Aug. 2, 1996 at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY
Sydney, Australia; Nikki McCray defends Joo-Weon Chun during the semifinals game of the Sydney 2000 Olympics between U.S. and South Korea on Sept. 29, 2000 at the SuperDome in Olympic Park.
Sydney, Australia; Nikki McCray defends Joo-Weon Chun during the semifinals game of the Sydney 2000 Olympics between U.S. and South Korea on Sept. 29, 2000 at the SuperDome in Olympic Park.
Eileen Blass, USA TODAY
Chamique Holdsclaw looks on during a USA Team Olympic Training Game against Team USA College Select on Sept. 3, 2000 at the Stan Sherif Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Team USA defeated Team USA College Select 97-31.
Chamique Holdsclaw looks on during a USA Team Olympic Training Game against Team USA College Select on Sept. 3, 2000 at the Stan Sherif Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Team USA defeated Team USA College Select 97-31.
Harry How, Getty Images
Chamique Holdsclaw passes the ball during the USA Olympic Team Training game against Team Brazil on Sept. 2, 2000 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Team USA defeated Team Brazil 75-53.
Chamique Holdsclaw passes the ball during the USA Olympic Team Training game against Team Brazil on Sept. 2, 2000 at Stan Sheriff Center in Honolulu, Hawaii. Team USA defeated Team Brazil 75-53.
Harry How, Getty Images
USA women basketball players Sheryl Swoopes and Chamique Holdsclaw show off their gold medals on the podium during a presentation ceremony after the U.S. beat Australia 76-54 in the women's basketball final at the Olympic Games in Sydney on Sept. 30, 2000.
USA women basketball players Sheryl Swoopes and Chamique Holdsclaw show off their gold medals on the podium during a presentation ceremony after the U.S. beat Australia 76-54 in the women's basketball final at the Olympic Games in Sydney on Sept. 30, 2000.
Reuters Photographer, REUTERS
Carla McGhee leaps to rebound the ball against Daunai Lobela in the game between the U.S. and Zaire during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games on July 25,1996 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
Carla McGhee leaps to rebound the ball against Daunai Lobela in the game between the U.S. and Zaire during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games on July 25,1996 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.
Mike Powell, Getty Images
Carla McGhee guards Olga Shylakova after she gets control of the basketball in a scramble during the game between the U.S. and Ukraine during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics at the Georgia Dome on July 23, 1996 in Atlanta. The United States won the game 98-65.
Carla McGhee guards Olga Shylakova after she gets control of the basketball in a scramble during the game between the U.S. and Ukraine during the Atlanta 1996 Olympics at the Georgia Dome on July 23, 1996 in Atlanta. The United States won the game 98-65.
Sergio Moraes, REUTERS
Members of the U.S. women's basketball team celebrate their victory over the Cuban team on August 7, 1992 in the bronze medal match in Barcelona. Left to right are Cynthia Cooper, Vickie Orr, Suzie McConnell, Carolyn Jones, Daedra Charles and Vicky Bullett. The U.S. won 88-74.
Members of the U.S. women's basketball team celebrate their victory over the Cuban team on August 7, 1992 in the bronze medal match in Barcelona. Left to right are Cynthia Cooper, Vickie Orr, Suzie McConnell, Carolyn Jones, Daedra Charles and Vicky Bullett. The U.S. won 88-74.
CHRIS WILKINS, AFP Via Getty Images
Bridgette Gordon takes a shot during a game between the U.S. and the Soviet Union at the Seoul 1988 Olympics on Sept. 27, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea.
Bridgette Gordon takes a shot during a game between the U.S. and the Soviet Union at the Seoul 1988 Olympics on Sept. 27, 1988 in Seoul, South Korea.
Joe Patronite, Getty Images
Bridgette Gordon takes a shot during a game between the U.S. and Yugoslavia on Sept. 22, 1988 at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games at Jamsil Gymnasium.
Bridgette Gordon takes a shot during a game between the U.S. and Yugoslavia on Sept. 22, 1988 at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games at Jamsil Gymnasium.
Bob Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Bridgette Gordon takes a shot during a game between the U.S. and Yugoslavia on Sept. 22, 1988 at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games at Jamsil Gymnasium.
Bridgette Gordon takes a shot during a game between the U.S. and Yugoslavia on Sept. 22, 1988 at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games at Jamsil Gymnasium.
Bob Deutsch, USA TODAY Sports
Lea Henry dribbles the ball up the court during a game between the U.S. and South Korea on Aug. 7, 1984 at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
Lea Henry dribbles the ball up the court during a game between the U.S. and South Korea on Aug. 7, 1984 at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games at The Forum in Inglewood, California.
Darr Beiser, USA TODAY Sports