Rick Insell, a venerable figure in the world of high school and collegiate basketball, was honored with induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2003, underscoring his profound impact and service to high school athletics in Tennessee. Born on June 5, 1951, Insell carved a remarkable career that began in 1977 at Shelbyville Central High School, where he embarked on a path that would see him become one of the most respected coaches in the sport.

Over a 28-year tenure at Shelbyville, Insell established an astounding record of 754 wins to 135 losses in girls’ basketball, a testament to his exceptional coaching acumen and dedication. His teams captured 23 District Championships and 16 Regional Championships, dominating the high school basketball landscape. Moreover, Insell's squads were TSSAA AAA State Runners-Up five times while clinching an impressive 10 TSSAA AAA State Championships, a record that highlights the consistent excellence his teams exhibited under his guidance.

Insell’s Shelbyville teams were known for their record-breaking achievements, among which were 110 consecutive wins—a state record and seventh nationally—and securing four consecutive state titles, the most any coach in the state has achieved. His accolade-filled career also included over 25 Coach of the Year Awards within Tennessee, reflecting his peerless impact on high school sports within the state.

As of his 2003 Hall of Fame induction, Insell had already secured 700 career wins, ranking him 19th nationally for most wins of all time and 6th among active coaches. He also stood 5th on the state list for most all-time wins, demonstrating his lasting success and influence on young athletes.

Beyond his high school achievements, Rick Insell also made significant contributions to collegiate basketball, serving as the head women’s basketball coach at Middle Tennessee State University. His multifaceted career in coaching, which included stints as an assistant basketball coach for boys, girls' varsity basketball coach, varsity track & field coach, and varsity tennis coach, showcased his diverse talent and commitment to sports education. Insell's 2007 induction into the National High School Hall of Fame further cemented his legacy as a towering figure in high school and collegiate sports, making his TSSAA Hall of Fame induction a fitting tribute to his outstanding service and contributions to Tennessee athletics.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2003
Category: Coach