Maureen Connolly Brinker "Little Mo" was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday, March 30, 2019.  The event began with a reception at the Texas Sports Hall of Fame complex. Dinner and the induction ceremony followed at the Waco Convention Center.

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While the Texas Sports Hall of Fame has over 350 members, Maureen Connolly Brinker is only the 6th tennis player to be inducted. Previous tennis inductees include: Wilmer Allison, Bruce Barnes, Bernard "Tut" Bartzen, Zina Garrison and Dr. Daniel A. Penick. 

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"Little Mo" won nine Grand Slam singles titles over a four-season span from 1951-54. In 1953, she became the first women’s tennis player in history to win the "Grand Slam",  claiming all four major tournament titles in a single year. 

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After a video tribute, Maureen Connolly Brinker's daughter, Cindy Brinker Simmons, addressed the crowd, describing her mother's passion both on and off the court, saying, "Mom was a remarkable woman who just happened to be a very good tennis player.” 

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In addition to Maureen Connolly Brinker, the 2019 Hall of Fame class included former Texas A&M and NFL kicker Tony Franklin, former Houston Texans Wide Receiver Andre Johnson, former professional basketball star Nancy Lieberman, former University of Arkansas Outland Trophy winner Loyd Phillips, former University of Texas and MLB pitcher Greg Swindell and former Dallas Cowboy All Pro Tight End Jason Witten.

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Photos from the event can see seen below: