UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020: Holly Russ, UTEP basketball (1990-1992)

EL PASO, Texas - Holly Russ didn't need a whole lot of time to make an impact for the UTEP Miners.

Russ was one of the best basketball players to ever suit up for the Miners.

For her accomplishments on the court, Russ will be inducted into the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

The Class of 2020 is finally able to be honored after Covid-19 postponed all of the hall of fame festivities last year.

A prolific scorer, Russ terrorized opponents during her two years at UTEP from 1990-1992.

Russ is the only member of UTEP's 1,000-point club (1,068 points) not to play a minimum of three seasons.

Russ put up a school-best 20.2 points per outing, including 22.2 her junior season when she was first team All-WAC. 

She's also responsible for the top two single-game scoring outputs in school history. 

Russ tallied 40 points versus UT- San Antonio on Feb. 19, 1991, and 37 points against Baylor on Dec. 17, 1991.  

However, despite all of Russ' accolades on the court, Russ is forever thankful for the support she was shown by the El Paso Community.

"It was a different culture from Florida," Russ said. "There were great people there, and I met a lot of friends who I am still in contact with today. The community embraced me and I'm forever grateful."

Russ is also grateful for the honor of being included as one of the very best athletes to come out of UTEP.

"I was very very shocked cause it's been a long time, but I was thrilled to be inducted," Russ said.

Russ will be inducted into the UTEP Athletics Hall of Fame during an induction ceremony on October 15.