Jill Prudden, born on December 7, 1955, crafted an illustrious career in girls' basketball, primarily as the head coach at Oak Ridge High School for 31 seasons. Her tenure there was marked by extraordinary achievements, making her a revered figure in the sport. Throughout her career, Prudden established herself as the third-winningest girls' basketball coach in TSSAA history, amassing an impressive 908 wins. Her coaching prowess was recognized not just statewide but also nationally, ranking 11th for wins in girls' basketball and 44th across both boys' and girls' basketball around the country.

Prudden's teams made 21 appearances in the TSSAA State Tournament, showcasing consistent excellence and competitiveness at the highest levels of high school basketball in Tennessee. Although her teams came up as the state runner-up five times, they also clinched three TSSAA State Championships, solidifying her legacy as a coach who could bring out the best in her teams when it mattered most. Under her guidance, Oak Ridge High School won numerous district and region championships, further testament to her coaching acumen.

Notably, Prudden's impact extended beyond just winning games and championships. Over 50 of her players received college scholarships, an indication of her commitment to developing her athletes both on and off the court. Her contributions to the sport and service to TSSAA were recognized through numerous State Coach of the Year honors and TSSAA Distinguished Service Awards.

Prudden's excellence was also acknowledged outside the realm of high school basketball. She was inducted into the Oak Ridge Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 2002. Moreover, she coached a USA Basketball team to a bronze medal at the World Youth Games in Moscow in 1998, highlighting her expertise on an international level.

After retiring from coaching in 2010, Prudden continued to influence young lives as a Physical Education instructor at Robertsville Middle School in Oak Ridge. Her induction into the TSSAA Hall of Fame in 2016 was a fitting tribute to a career filled with dedication, success, and service to TSSAA, encapsulating her profound impact on high school sports in Tennessee.

TSSAA Hall of Fame
Class: 2016
Category: Coach