Virginia Sports Hall of Fame honors UVA legends, local 'Distinguished Virginian'
On April 25 at the Short Pump Hilton, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2026 – arguably its most star-studded group of athletes, coaches, administrators, and other contributors ever, all selected for their achievements and impact on Virginia sports.
Among the inductees were two luminaries of University of Virginia basketball: Tony Bennett, the former University of Virginia basketball coach who guided the 'Hoos to a national championship, and Wally Walker, a former NBA player who led Virginia to its first NCAA tournament berth in 1976. Walker is often credited with launching the era of UVA prominence in basketball.
Members of the UVA Club of Richmond packed the lobby of the Short Pump Hilton to support and mingle with the latest inductees from their alma mater. At a reception prior to the ceremony, Terri Clinger (pictured above, at left) and Dorline Davidson-Harvey visited with Ryan Odom, the current UVA basketball coach, while below, Dave Martin (at left) and Patrick Busch (center) posed with Bennett.
Local community leader Robert S. “Bobby” Ukrop was also honored at the ceremony for his role in establishing and supporting healthy lifestyle initiatives in the region.
Ukrop was presented with the 2026 Distinguished Virginian award, which is given to an individual with a sports background who is a distinguished citizen of the Commonwealth based on outstanding life accomplishment. A former University of Richmond basketball player, Ukrop has long been an advocate and supporter of programs that contribute to Virginians' health and well-being, from co-founding the Richmond Sports Backers to spearheading construction of the Diamond baseball stadium and championing efforts to “Drown-proof Virginia” through learn-to-swim programs.
Other inductees were:
• Michael Vick, a former Virginia Tech and NFL quarterback;
• Grant Hill, a former Duke and NBA basketball player;
• Terry Driscoll, a former William and Mary athletic director;
• Marcellus “Boo” Williams, a youth basketball coach;
• Kristi Toliver, a WNBA all-star and coach;
• Roland Lazenby, a famed sports author.
