Tara Tansil-Gentry: Hall of Famer, Coach, Educator

Tara Tansil-Gentry has built a life of excellence on the court, in the classroom, and within the community. From a standout basketball career to shaping future educators at the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM), her journey is one of dedication, adaptability, and a deep-rooted passion for service.

Originally from Greenfield, Tara left her mark in West Tennessee basketball history, earning jersey retirements at both Greenfield High School and UTM. She was later inducted into the UT Martin Hall of Fame and was part of the inaugural class for the Weakley County Sports Hall of Fame.

Her contributions to basketball were further recognized in 2022 when she was named an Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Basketball Legend. She was honored alongside notable figures such as NBA star Ja Morant, Terry Taylor, and Darby Maggard. As part of the OVC Basketball Legends Class of 2022, she was celebrated during the league’s championship tournament with video board recognition, PA announcements, and a game program feature story. Tara became the seventh Skyhawk representative to receive this prestigious recognition.

“Basketball opened so many doors for me,” she said. “It gave me opportunities, friendships, and experiences that shaped who I am today.”

After years of success as a player, she transitioned seamlessly into coaching, first as an assistant and later as head coach at UTM. During her collegiate career from 1991-95, she started all 105 games, earning three All-OVC selections. By the time she finished playing, she held records in 13 statistical categories and remains the only UT Martin women’s player to accumulate at least 1,700 points, 650 rebounds, 400 assists, and 250 steals. In January 1996, her No. 24 jersey was retired at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center, and she was inducted into the UT Martin Athletics Hall of Fame in 2000.

But as much as she loved the game, a shift was coming.

“I was living out of a suitcase,” she said. “Recruiting, traveling, scouting—it never slowed down. I went to school to teach, and I wanted to get back to that.”

In 2009, she left coaching and fully embraced academia, bringing the same discipline and leadership she honed in sports to her role as a lecturer.

Now in her 30th year at UTM, Tara teaches courses in health and human performance, including sports psychology, coaching theories, and first aid certification. She mentors students pursuing careers in physical education, athletic training, public health, and sports administration.

“I tell my students all the time, ‘You don’t have to be the best athlete to be a great coach. You have to know people, understand how they think, and build trust.’ That’s true whether you’re coaching, teaching, or leading in any field.”

She also helps develop future coaches by immersing them in real-world decision-making scenarios, from budgeting for equipment to analyzing game strategies and managing teams.

“They learn what it means to really run a program,” she said. “It’s more than X’s and O’s. It’s about handling people, expectations, and challenges.”

Her influence extends beyond the university. She serves as an assistant coach for Greenfield’s girls’ basketball team, balancing her teaching schedule with practices and games.

“I love watching that transition,” she said. “Seeing students go from freshmen just figuring things out to confident seniors ready to take on the world never gets old.”

Her impact doesn’t stop at sports and education. Tara is deeply involved in the community, serving on multiple boards, including the Friends of Weakley County Training School, where she helps preserve the legacy of a historic Black school in Martin. She also sits on the hospital foundation board and participates in service organizations that focus on health and education initiatives.

“I’ve always believed in giving back,” she said. “So many people poured into me when I was young. It’s only right to do the same for others.”

Though her career has evolved, Tara still finds herself drawn to technology. With a doctorate in educational technology, she has become the go-to person in her department for troubleshooting classroom tech issues.

“I’m kind of a geek,” she admitted with a laugh. “If something isn’t working, people call me before they call IT.”

Even with her packed schedule, she remains committed to her students and athletes. As Greenfield prepares for district tournaments, she is already thinking ahead, planning coursework for students in case the team makes another deep postseason run.

Through it all, her passion remains the same: helping others grow, learn, and succeed.