The Virginia High School Hall of Fame, presented by the VHSL and VAcorp, will induct 11 new members recognized for outstanding contributions to high school athletics and activities. The Class of 2026 includes All-Americans, All-State athletes, state champions, legendary coaches, and contributors, and an esteemed sports journalist.
The induction ceremony for the 37th Annual Hall of Fame enshrinement dinner will be at 3:30 pm on Sunday, April 19, at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel. Tickets are $35 and available online: https://gofan.co/event/1389602?schoolId=VHSL.
This years inductees are as follows:
ATHLETES:
Hannah Light-Cress / Coeburn / Softball, Volleyball, Basketball, Track
Larry Haney / Orange County / Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track
Natasha (Belcher) Holt / J.J. Kelly / Girls Tennis, Volleyball
David Johnson / Fluvanna County / Football, Basketball
Juan Thornhill /Altavista / Football, Basketball
COACHES:
Garwin L. DeBerry Sr. / Charlottesville / Football, Boys Lacrosse
Mark L. Ingerson / Salem (Salem) / Speech, Debate
A. Edward Steele / Broad Run / Softball, Wrestling
Jan Thompson / Central (Wise) / Theatre, Speech
CONTRIBUTORS:
Bob Leader / Official/Umpire / VHSL Baseball Rules Interpreter
Arthur Utley / Times-Dispatch / Sportswriter
The Hall is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of outstanding achievements by students and adults in sports and activities within Virginia’s public high schools.
Athletes are eligible for consideration ten years after completing their high school careers and are judged primarily for their achievements in interscholastic sports. Coaches are eligible after 15 years of experience or upon retirement and evaluated on the merits of their accomplishments at the high school level. Contributors have rendered significant services in other capacities, such as administration, academic activities, officiating, media, or sports medicine.
Nominations are necessary to ensure the very best in VHSL’s long history are recognized for their outstanding achievements. Nominations are due in the VHSL office by October 1.