The Albury-born star has become the first Australian athlete to be inducted as a player into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, joining the class of 2021.

The retired Opals and WNBA star said it was "a dream come true."

"It's unreal to think that I'm back here where it all started and I get to share this honour and the recognition with Albury," Jackson said.

She now joins a prestigious list, including the late Kobe Bryant.

"To be able to say that I'm part of the Hall of Fame with them is something that I dreamt about, but I never thought it was possible," she said.

While Jackson grew up idolising players like Michael Jordan, she said her biggest influences and supporters were always her parents, Gary and Maree.

"I always thought I could be the best in the world because I thought they were," she said.

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"My parents have been there every step of the way. If I didn't have them I don't think I'd be here today talking about this."

The 40-year-old, who is currently Basketball Australia's Head of Women in Basketball, admitted it's an exciting time for women in sport.

"They're starting to get a lot more recognition than women have ever had in the past, which is really exciting," she said.

"Being from Albury, I always got support and recognition, and I was always very thankful."

She hopes to inspire other regional kids.

"I think if you've got the heart, you've got the talent, you've got the desire and you want to be the best, you absolutely can be," she said.

"It's just been an amazing ride and to be back here celebrating with you all is amazing."

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