Nine former athletes and a current coach will be inducted into the University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor on October 1, according to an announcement from the university’s athletics department. The 2026 class includes Kimble Anders (Football), Siong Ang (Men’s Swimming and Diving), Lilly Denoon (Volleyball), Ed Fiori (Men’s Golf), Monica Lamb-Powell (Women’s Basketball), Audray McMillian (Football), Kelvin Sampson (Men’s Basketball Head Coach), Ollie Taylor (Men’s Basketball) and Jessica Valis-Shimek (Softball).
This marks the 24th group to join the Hall of Honor, and the 13th since its reintroduction in 1998. After this year’s ceremony, there will be a total of 128 individuals and two teams recognized for their contributions to Houston Athletics. The new inductees include a national champion, six All-Conference honorees with more than ten combined all-league selections, and seven All-America selections who have either coached or competed in thirteen conference titles for Houston.
The induction event will take place at the Post Oak Hotel and will feature both live and silent auctions, dinner, and presentations. According to the release, “The evening brings together the University’s most impactful Cougars, on and off the fields of competition, and honors those whose legacies will forever be etched in the Hall of Honor.”
Proceeds from the gala are intended to support resources for over 400 student-athletes across 17 sports programs at Houston. The university encourages fans, donors, supporters, and former Letterwinners to participate in supporting student-athletes through various initiatives such as NIL opportunities and joining Cougar Pride.
For further details about tickets or sponsorships for the gala event, interested parties are directed to contact Cougar Pride by phone or email.
Updates about University of Houston Athletics can be found by following @UHCougars on X or visiting their Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or Instagram at houstoncougars.
