NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Athletics has officially announced its Hall of Fame Class of 2026, honoring a legendary group of trailblazers who defined excellence for the Big Blue Country. The distinguished group of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors helped shape the proud tradition of Tiger athletics through championship performances, individual achievements, and lasting contributions to the university. The formal induction ceremony will be held August 27 at the Tennessee State University Athletics Hall of Fame Banquet, at Nissan Stadium.
Headlining this year’s class are former Athletics Director Teresa Phillips and legendary baseball coach Bill Thomas. Phillips, a foundational pillar of TSU Athletics, spent decades elevating the university’s sports programs as both a championship-winning women’s basketball coach and a visionary administrator who championed student-athlete success. Joining her is Thomas, the winningest baseball coach in TSU history, who guided the Tigers to multiple historic conference championships and mentored dozens of athletes into the professional ranks.
“This hall of fame class embodies the true spirit of TSU,” Tennessee State Director of Athletics Mikki Allen said. “They didn’t just set records; they laid the very foundation of our winning tradition. We are proud to honor this legacy and pay tribute to the program’s greats who paved the way.”
The Class of 2026 features an elite roster of 23 additional inductees across multiple eras and sports. Among the football icons being enshrined are standout defensive back Brent Alexander, alongside gridiron legends Oliver Davis, Larry Dorsey, Sylvester Hicks, Granville “Sonny” Lyons, and Robert Woods.
The basketball programs are well-represented by former men’s basketball head coach Frankie Allen, who returns to Nashville to claim his place among the university’s coaching elite. He is joined by standout hardwood stars Gregory Goodwin, Kimberly Graves, and Tim Horton, all of whom electrified crowds and earned all-conference honors during their respective careers.
On the diamond, the class celebrates baseball greats Terry Blocker, Curtis Burke, and Greg Robinson. The track and field programs add firepower to the class with All-American performances from Clairwin Dameus, Eric Lindsey, and Dominique Ward-Johnson. Volleyball standouts Catherine Armwood and Candance Saleaumua are also being recognized for fueling the program’s championship standard.
The historic class further honors individuals who broke barriers and achieved unprecedented success in specialized programs. This includes the posthumous induction of Dr. Catana Starks, the historic men’s golf coach who became the first woman to coach a men’s NCAA Division I golf team, as well as star golfer Samuel Puryear Jr. Swimming standout Jeffery McMillan, men’s tennis ace Lawrence Washington, and long-time Sports Information Director Johnny Franks round out the extraordinary 2026 lineup.
Collectively, the achievements of this year’s class span decades of conference titles, historic NCAA tournament appearances, and national honors. Their dedication to the university extended far beyond the field of play, transforming them into campus leaders and lifelong ambassadors for the institution. The 2026 induction serves as a timeless reminder of the standard of excellence required to wear the blue and white.The evening of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Aug. 27 at Nissan Stadium will begin with a reception, followed by the formal banquet and induction presentations. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Julius McNair, Assistant Athletic Director for Championship Resources and Strategic Initiatives, at [email protected] or 615-963-1545.
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
