DALLAS – As Angelique Francis wrapped up her remarks after being presented the 2023 Pat Summitt Most Courageous Award from the U.S. Basketball Writers Association (USBWA), the room full of writers, coaches and notable people from the sport of women's basketball jumped to their feet in a standing ovation for the Little Rock forward.
Francis couldn't believe her eyes.
Applauding her was Geno Auriemma, the UConn head coach. So was Michelle Marciniak, the former All-American and WNBA player. And Chantel Jennings, the women's basketball reporter for The Athletic, along with several tables full of national media personalities.