Middlebury College is proud to unveil its distinguished 2026 Hall of Fame class, celebrating eight remarkable individuals who have profoundly shaped the institution’s athletic legacy. This highly anticipated 11th class encompasses a broad spectrum of ten sports, recognizing unparalleled achievements and inspiring contributions across various disciplines.
Among the celebrated inductees are Ray Alcindor, a formidable presence on the ice for men’s hockey and a competitive force in track and field from the Class of 1993, and Emily Bracken from the Class of 1998, recognized as one of the most decorated players to emerge from the women’s lacrosse program. Their dedication and skill set a high bar for future generations of Middlebury athletes.
Lauren Greer, a standout from the Class of 2012, is honored for her exceptional career in field hockey. She was not only named the 2012 NFHCA Division III Player of the Year but also garnered three All-American honors, including two first-team selections. Her remarkable performance earned her the NESCAC Player of the Year title twice and the league’s Rookie of the Year award, cementing her status as a collegiate legend.
The class also includes Simi Hamilton, a prominent figure in nordic skiing from the Class of 2009. Hamilton’s post-Middlebury career saw him become a four-time Olympian and a top-ranked skier globally. His professional journey included 144 World Cup starts and eight Olympic appearances, achieving a notable sixth-place finish in the team sprint at both the 2014 and 2018 games, showcasing his enduring excellence on the world stage.
Christina “Tina” Ilgner, Class of 1986, is celebrated as a true trailblazer for the Panther women’s track and field and cross country programs, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Joining her is Nancy Olson, Class of 1993, a dominant force on the tennis courts whose name is etched in the record books. Olson famously capped her career by winning the 1993 NCAA Doubles Championship, the first Middlebury doubles team to achieve such a feat in school history, regardless of gender.
Michael Stone, a member of the Class of 2009, distinguished himself as a dominant midfielder for the men’s lacrosse program. A three-time All-American, with first-team honors in his final two seasons, Stone is one of only four players in program history to receive multiple first-team recognitions. He was also the sole Panther to earn NESCAC Player of the Year twice, concluding his career with an impressive 172 points, including 124 goals and 48 assists.
The inductees also feature Chris Waddell, Class of 1991, an extraordinary individual who became one of the world’s top monoskiers. Waddell’s journey began at Middlebury, where he continued to compete in carnivals after a life-altering skiing accident. His perseverance led him to win the United States Disabled Nationals, securing a spot on the U.S. Ski Team and demonstrating immense resilience.
Waddell’s Paralympic career is unparalleled, marked by 12 medals, including four gold medals swept in 1994, where he notably achieved the fastest downhill time among all monoskiers globally. Beyond his athletic prowess, Waddell is a world-renowned motivational speaker, author, and an NBC Sports television host for the Paralympic games, embodying the spirit of determination and achievement.
The formal induction ceremony, a highlight for the Middlebury community and sports enthusiasts, has been rescheduled from fall to spring. It is set to take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, providing an opportune moment to honor these legendary figures and their lasting impact on Middlebury Athletics.
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