Mississippi State Great Tan White Honored As SEC Legend
March 07, 2024 | Women's Basketball
Bulldog standout remains thankful for her time in Maroon and White.
GREENVILLE, S.C. – A Bulldog legend was deservedly honored during halftime of Wednesday's SEC Tournament matchup against Texas A&M.
Tan White was a Mississippi State women's basketball star from 2001-2005 who cemented herself in the school's record book. She was drafted second overall in the 2005 WNBA Draft and spent 10 years in the league with the Indiana Fever, Connecticut Sun and Minnesota Lynx.
After nearly a decade as a spectator, White returned to the center of the court at Bon Secours Wellness Arena as a member of the 2024 SEC Women's Legends class.
"It's an honor just to be recognized after so many years, to just come back and be in front of the school and represent the school is just a dream come true," White said.
The native of Tupelo, Mississippi, excelled in her four seasons at MSU. White totaled 2,421 points through 121 games played, averaging 23.5 points during her senior campaign to lead the nation. She also averaged 7.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.1 steals in her collegiate career.
White explained how her years as a Dawg have continued to impact her.
"It means a lot, coming from my home state, everybody getting the chance to come and watch us play," White said. "The fan support was amazing and to be able to see it so many years after, the fans continuing to support the ladies, it's just been something that's been unbelievable for myself."
While at State, White was a four-time All-SEC team member and received multiple national honors. The guard was even named a prestigious WCBA First-Team All-American at the end of her senior season. As she reflected on her college experience, White shared her gratitude.
"I had four years that [were] incredible, and I just want to thank them for all their support," White said.
During White's career, the Bulldogs reached the NCAA Tournament twice under head coach Sharon Fanning. Through good times and bad, the team remained strong and learned many lessons that the standout shooter used to propel herself to the pros.
"I was fortunate to be able to play with some other great players on the team and being able to just build myself from year after year after year," White said. "I think it was exceptional and I had a really fun time learning and growing there."
Now, White hopes that the success she had during and after her time with the Dawgs inspires other young student-athletes. She explained why she thinks suiting up in the Maroon and White and calling Starkville home could be beneficial to rising stars across the nation.
"I think this is a great opportunity, a great place to grow as an individual player," White said.
Many of Mississippi State's current and former players have seemed familiar to White, no matter how successful they have been on the hardwood. They demonstrate the same attitude and love of the game that she has always had, and that's something that seems to make her proud.
"I see a lot of girls out here that have a lot of passion," White said. "You can see it when they play. They play really hard."
Things have changed over the years, but for White, one thing has remained constant.
"I'm just proud to be a Bulldog," White said.