University Recognizes 2026 Hall of Fame Athletes

The 2026 class, which is USF's 47th group of inductees, includes: Bill Downing (baseball, 1970-1973), Joel DeBortoli (men's basketball, 1987-1990), Rob Valentino (men's soccer, 2004-2007), Fiona O'Sullivan (women's soccer, 2004-2007), Taylor Proctor (women's basketball, 2012-2016), and John Troccoe ’70, known as USF’s athletic historian, for a special award. The 1997 USF women's golf team will be inducted in the team category.

This is the first group of inductees since Feb. 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the regular event. Counting its newest members, USF's Athletics Hall of Fame now includes 290 individuals and 25 teams.

"Reviving the Hall of Fame gives us the special opportunity to reconnect with our rich history and recognize the remarkable people who have defined what it means to be part of the USF community," said Interim Director of Athletics Stephanie Shrieve-Hawkins. "We are excited to once again celebrate those who have helped shape the legacy of USF Athletics."

The Father Hub Flynn Hall of Fame Celebration is Sunday, Jan. 18, at the McLaren Conference Center on the main campus of USF. The festivities will begin with a social hour reception from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., followed by the Hall of Fame Program from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Inductees will be honored during halftime at the USF men's basketball game vs. Washington State later that day; tipoff is at 4 p.m. inside War Memorial at the Sobrato Center.

Tickets are available to purchase for $65.