Those Lady Volunteers are often regarded as the best women’s college team ever — compared only to the current University of Connecticut Huskies squad.

MORE: College basketball road trip photos | Debunking five Selection Sunday myths 

“It’s hard to compare two totally different generations. But being able to take the best recruits and put them in a system where everybody’s successful together, that’s the similarity of both teams," said Catchings, speaking on behalf of the 2016 Allstate NABC Good Works Team, awards that recognize college basketball student-athletes who “stand out for their charitable achievements and community involvement.”

“We all were great coming out of high school, but when we got to college we had to play in a system that would allow all of us to be successful. But it’s different. I think every team is different.” 

Catchings said the two programs have stayed consistently great because of their leaders, former Tennessee head coach Pat Summitt and Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma.

“The best thing was being able to play for Pat (Summitt),” Catchings said. “She not only wanted us to be great on the court, but also off the court and how we conducted ourselves, going to classes, sitting in the first three rows. She just made sure we were great women.”

Catchings’ all-around game — she was the first player on any level, men’s or women’s, to record a quintuple double — reminds some of current UConn senior Breanna Stewart, a three-time national champion and three-time Final Four MVP. 

“Bre has a couple of inches on me, I didn’t know she was that tall,” Catching said, laughing. “Definitely, I see her being one of those great players in the future. She does do it all, and because of her length, she’s able to do even more. I’m excited about this upcoming WNBA season to see where she gets placed and from there having the opportunity to watch her grow.”

Catchings also spoke about her 15-season WNBA career.

“When I was in seventh grade and made my first goal, I wanted to play in the NBA, because the WNBA wasn’t around. I wanted to follow in my dad’s (former NBA player Harvey Catchings) footsteps,” Catchings said. “Just a lot of perseverance, a lot of hard work. And just being determined not to fail.

“To be able to celebrate the league’s 20th year anniversary, and this is my 16th year in the league, I’ve been here a long time. To see the league be as successful as it has, it’s a great feeling.”