Michael Vick, Grant Hill, Boo Williams & Tony Bennett headline Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026

HENRICO, Va. —  One of the most electrifying figures in Virginia sports history is set to take center stage this spring. Michael Vick headlines a loaded Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026, an eight-member group representing some of the most accomplished athletes, coaches, leaders, and storytellers the Commonwealth has ever produced.

The 53rd Induction Weekend is scheduled for April 25 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa/Short Pump, with public events including a “Breakfast with Champions,” autograph sessions, and the annual Hall of Fame ceremony. Tickets and sponsorships are available through the Hall of Fame’s website and are expected to sell out quickly.

Vick, the Newport News native who became a Virginia Tech legend and a transformational figure in the NFL, enters the Hall with a résumé featuring a national title appearance, All-America honors, four Pro Bowl selections, and the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. After a standout college career that launched him to the No. 1 overall pick in 2001, Vick spent 13 seasons in the NFL before transitioning to broadcasting and eventually becoming the head football coach at Norfolk State University.

The Class of 2026 spans basketball royalty, influential coaches, prolific authors, and philanthropic leaders:

• Grant Hill (Reston): ACC Player of the Year, two-time NCAA champion, seven-time NBA All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, Hall of Famer, and current co-owner of multiple pro sports franchises.

• Marcellus “Boo” Williams (Hampton): A national force in youth basketball development, recognized for decades of work shaping future stars from the Boo Williams Sportsplex.

• Wally Walker (Charlottesville): Tournament MVP who launched UVA basketball’s rise, NBA lottery pick, two-time NBA champion, and former president of the Seattle SuperSonics.

• Kristi Toliver (Harrisonburg): One of the most decorated women’s players in state history—ACC Player of the Year, NCAA champion, WNBA champion, three-time All-Star, and current Phoenix Mercury associate head coach.

• Terry Driscoll (Williamsburg): Longtime William & Mary athletics director whose 22-year tenure produced 114 conference titles, major facility growth, and nationally recognized academic success.

• Roland Lazenby (Wytheville): Acclaimed author of more than 60 sports books, widely considered a definitive voice on NBA icons such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant.

• Tony Bennett: The transformational University of Virginia head coach who delivered the program’s first NCAA men’s basketball national championship in 2019. A two-time Naismith Coach of the Year, Bennett compiled a 433-169 career record and set the standard for culture and defensive excellence.

• Bobby Ukrop (Richmond) — Distinguished Virginian: Former University of Richmond basketball player whose philanthropic leadership helped shape Central Virginia sports, including the creation of Richmond Sports Backers and major community health initiatives.

Executive Director Bruce Rader praised the wide-ranging impact of the 2026 inductees.

“Individuals with NCAA championships, professional championships, Olympic gold medals, and international recognition reflect everything that makes sports in Virginia special,” Rader said. “From championship performers to visionary leaders and storytellers, this group embodies the Hall’s core values of recognition, impact, and integrity.”