Friday, October 2
Houston, Texas
University of Houston
vs
Hall of Honor
10/12/2026 8:00:00 AM | General, Cougar Pride
Nine Class of 2026 Athletics greats inducted into Hall of Honor; gala raises more than $1.4 million
HOUSTON – Nine award winning University of Houston Athletics stars. A record setting $1.4 million raised. One unforgettable night.
The University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor Gala on Oct. 2 to celebrate the Class of 2026 was everything a Houston Cougar fan could dream of and much more. More than 750 guests gathered inside the grand ballroom at the Post Oak Hotel to celebrate the achievements of Cougar legends and to recognize the newest class of inductees.
The Houston Athletics Hall of Honor Gala celebrated the accomplishments of nine amazing Cougars: Kimble Anders (Football), Siong Ang (Men's Swimming & Diving), Lilly Denoon(Volleyball), Ed Fiori (Men's Golf), Kelvin Sampson (Men's Basketball), Monica Lamb-Powell (Women's Basketball), Audray McMillian (Football), Ollie Taylor (Men's Basketball) and Jessica Valis Shimek (Softball).
The more than $1.4 million raised will go towards the holistic student-athlete experience as Houston Athletics continues to provide scholarships for more than 400 student-athletes across 17 sports programs.
During the live auction Houston Football's one-of-one Gridiron Galaxy game worn helmet by Cougar quarterback Conner Weigman sold at the auction for $40,000, one of the highest college football helmets sold at auction.
Under the leadership of Hall of Honor chairs Drue DaSilva and April and Jerad McMayon the evening featured a live and silent auction, dinner and presentation ceremonies and was emceed Houston graduate Lauren Leal with a special guest appearance by three-time Emmy Award winner and five-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Houston's very own, Jim Nantz ('81).
The 2026 Class is the 24th class inducted into the Hall of Honor and the 13th since the Hall of Honor's return in 1998. This year's inductees pushed the membership to 128 individuals and two teams.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
The University of Houston Athletics Hall of Honor Gala on Oct. 2 to celebrate the Class of 2026 was everything a Houston Cougar fan could dream of and much more. More than 750 guests gathered inside the grand ballroom at the Post Oak Hotel to celebrate the achievements of Cougar legends and to recognize the newest class of inductees.
The Houston Athletics Hall of Honor Gala celebrated the accomplishments of nine amazing Cougars: Kimble Anders (Football), Siong Ang (Men's Swimming & Diving), Lilly Denoon(Volleyball), Ed Fiori (Men's Golf), Kelvin Sampson (Men's Basketball), Monica Lamb-Powell (Women's Basketball), Audray McMillian (Football), Ollie Taylor (Men's Basketball) and Jessica Valis Shimek (Softball).
The more than $1.4 million raised will go towards the holistic student-athlete experience as Houston Athletics continues to provide scholarships for more than 400 student-athletes across 17 sports programs.
During the live auction Houston Football's one-of-one Gridiron Galaxy game worn helmet by Cougar quarterback Conner Weigman sold at the auction for $40,000, one of the highest college football helmets sold at auction.
Under the leadership of Hall of Honor chairs Drue DaSilva and April and Jerad McMayon the evening featured a live and silent auction, dinner and presentation ceremonies and was emceed Houston graduate Lauren Leal with a special guest appearance by three-time Emmy Award winner and five-time National Sportscaster of the Year, Houston's very own, Jim Nantz ('81).
The 2026 Class is the 24th class inducted into the Hall of Honor and the 13th since the Hall of Honor's return in 1998. This year's inductees pushed the membership to 128 individuals and two teams.
SUPPORT YOUR COOGS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of University of Houston Athletics by providing NIL opportunities and by joining Cougar Pride which provides financial support for student-athlete scholarships and priority needs of the Athletics Department.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can receive updates by following @UHCougars on X, formerly Twitter, and catch up with the latest news and notes on the team by clicking LIKE on the team's Facebook page at HoustonAthletics or on the team's Instagram page at houstoncougars.
– UHCougars.com –
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