Phoenix, AZ, January 29, 2026
The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame honored its Class of 2025 inductees, recognizing standout University of Arizona athletes and championship teams. The ceremony highlighted their contributions to the sports landscape in Arizona, showcasing a legacy of excellence across diverse athletic disciplines. The event celebrated both individual achievements and team triumphs, emphasizing the impact of collegiate sports on personal and community growth.
Phoenix, AZ — The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame recently celebrated its esteemed Class of 2025 inductees, honoring a collection of University of Arizona athletic legends whose remarkable achievements have significantly contributed to the state’s vibrant sports landscape. The ceremony, held on November 21, 2025, at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa, recognized seven individual student-athletes and three championship teams, highlighting a legacy of excellence, dedication, and competitive spirit that continues to inspire.
This distinguished class showcases the pinnacle of collegiate sports success, reflecting years of perseverance and commitment from these individuals and teams. Their contributions underscore the enduring value of athletic programs in fostering personal growth and generating statewide pride. The event served as a powerful reminder of how sustained effort and the pursuit of excellence elevate not only individual careers but also the collective identity of Arizona’s sports community.
The inductees represent diverse disciplines, from swimming and diving to football, basketball, baseball, and triathlon, illustrating the breadth of athletic talent cultivated within the state’s university system. Each honoree embodies the spirit of self-reliance and the drive to compete at the highest levels, setting a benchmark for future generations of student-athletes in Arizona.
A Legacy of Individual Excellence and Team Triumph
The Class of 2025 features an impressive roster of individual athletes whose collegiate careers at the University of Arizona were marked by record-breaking performances and national recognition. Among them is Kevin Cordes, an Olympic gold medalist and one of Arizona’s most decorated swimmers. Cordes earned 13 All-America honors and secured six NCAA individual national championships, winning the 100-yard breaststroke four consecutive years and the 200-yard breaststroke in both 2013 and 2014. He was twice named NCAA Swimmer of the Year in 2013 and 2014. His collegiate success also included being part of the 2012 NCAA Champion 200-yard medley relay team.
Joining him is Ben Diggins, a formidable two-way player for Arizona Baseball in 1999 and 2000. Diggins earned First Team Freshman All-American honors in 1999 and First Team All-American recognition from Baseball America in 2000. As a pitcher, he recorded a 10-4 record with a 3.83 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 112.2 innings in one season. At the plate, he batted .336 with nine home runs and 34 RBI. His performance solidified his place as a top collegiate athlete before being drafted 17th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Former Arizona Football quarterback Nick Foles was also inducted. Foles played three seasons for the Wildcats from 2009-2011, setting school career records for passing yards and touchdowns. He later achieved significant professional success, including an NFL championship and Super Bowl LII MVP award.
Basketball standout Channing Frye, who played for Arizona Men’s Basketball from 2002-2005, also entered the Hall of Fame. Frye was a two-time First-team All-Pac-10 selection and concluded his collegiate career with eight double-doubles in 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. He went on to an extensive NBA career, becoming an NBA champion with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016.
The swimming and diving program contributed additional luminaries with Margo Geer, a 27-time All-American, and Samantha Pickens, a five-time All-American diver. Geer secured three individual national championships, winning the 100-yard freestyle twice (2013, 2014) and the 50-yard freestyle in 2014. Pickens made history as the first University of Arizona female diver to win a national title, earning NCAA championships on the 1-meter dive in both 2013 and 2015. Brad Tandy, a national champion in the 50-yard freestyle in 2014, was also inducted for his four-time All-American career and his representation of South Africa in the 2016 Olympic Games.
The Class of 2025 also celebrates significant team accomplishments, including the 2024 Arizona Triathlon Team, which claimed its first NCAA Division I women’s collegiate triathlon national title. The 2013 Arizona Men’s Swimming 400 Medley Relay and the 2012 Arizona Men’s Swimming 200 Medley Relay teams were also honored for their NCAA Championship victories, showcasing the strength and depth of the Wildcats’ swimming program. The 2012 200 Medley Relay team, including Kevin Cordes, set an American record.
Driving Arizona’s Athletic and Economic Vitality
The induction of these accomplished individuals and teams into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame underscores the profound impact university athletics have on the state’s broader athletic and economic scene. These programs serve as vital incubators for talent, drawing top athletes to Arizona and subsequently showcasing the state’s competitive spirit on a national and international stage. The successes celebrated, from individual national championships to team titles, reflect the effectiveness of dedicated coaching, robust facilities, and community support in cultivating champions.
The spirit of entrepreneurship and initiative is evident in the journey of many of these athletes, who, through rigorous training and unwavering focus, transformed their potential into exceptional performance. This pursuit of excellence within collegiate athletics naturally extends beyond the playing field, often inspiring future leaders and innovators within the state’s economy. The commitment to responsible growth within university athletic departments, evidenced by strategic investments in coaching staff and facilities, directly contributes to sustained success.
Community, Competition, and Enduring Values
The recognition of these athletes and teams goes beyond their statistics and accolades; it champions the values of hard work, perseverance, and healthy competition that are fundamental to individual and community self-reliance. Programs like those at the University of Arizona demonstrate how structured competition, combined with strong academic foundations, builds character and prepares individuals for life’s challenges. The support from the local community and private investments in athletic infrastructure are crucial components of this success, creating an environment where young talent can flourish and achieve its full potential.
The annual induction ceremony not only honors past achievements but also reinforces the importance of continuing to invest in and celebrate collegiate sports. Such events energize the local sports scene, encouraging participation and interest in various athletic endeavors across Arizona. The positive visibility generated by successful university programs and their esteemed alumni contributes significantly to Arizona’s identity as a hub for athletic prowess.
Investing in the Future of Arizona Sports
The continued success of university athletic programs is a testament to the power of private initiative, responsible fiscal management, and the innate value of competition. By nurturing athletic talent and fostering an environment of achievement, Arizona’s colleges and universities play a critical role in shaping the state’s future. These programs are not merely about winning games; they are about developing disciplined individuals who contribute meaningfully to society long after their competitive careers conclude.
Phoenix, AZ, and the entire state benefit immensely from the dedication exhibited by these athletes and the institutions that support them. We encourage all Arizonans to engage with and support local university athletic programs. Your involvement helps ensure that the spirit of competition, personal perseverance, and community strength continues to thrive, providing vital pathways for the next generation of Arizona Sports Hall of Fame inductees and community leaders. Staying informed about University of Arizona AZ athletics, supporting Phoenix AZ sports, and following college football in Phoenix are crucial steps in bolstering this vital aspect of our state’s heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When was the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 induction ceremony held? The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 induction ceremony was held on November 21, 2025.
- Where was the induction ceremony for the Class of 2025 located? The induction ceremony for the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 was located at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa.
- Which individual athletes were inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025? The individual athletes inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 were Kevin Cordes, Ben Diggins, Nick Foles, Channing Frye, Margo Geer, Samantha Pickens, and Brad Tandy.
- Which teams were inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025? The teams inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025 were the 2024 Arizona Triathlon Team, the 2013 Arizona Men’s Swimming 400 Medley Relay, and the 2012 Arizona Men’s Swimming 200 Medley Relay.
- What are some key achievements of Kevin Cordes? Kevin Cordes is an Olympic gold medalist, a former American record holder, a 13-time All-American, and a six-time NCAA individual national champion, including four consecutive titles in the 100-yard breaststroke. He was also named NCAA Swimmer of the Year in 2013 and 2014.
- What were Ben Diggins’ notable collegiate baseball achievements? Ben Diggins earned First Team Freshman All-American honors in 1999 and First Team All-American recognition in 2000. As a pitcher, he had a 10-4 record with a 3.83 ERA, and as a hitter, he batted .336 with nine home runs and 34 RBI in one season.
- What are Nick Foles’ major accomplishments? Nick Foles set school career records for passing yards and touchdowns at Arizona and later won an NFL championship and Super Bowl LII MVP.
- What were Channing Frye’s achievements in college basketball? Channing Frye was a two-time First-team All-Pac-10 selection and recorded eight double-doubles in 12 NCAA Tournament appearances. He later became an NBA champion.
- What individual national championships did Margo Geer win? Margo Geer won three individual national championships: the 100-yard freestyle in 2013 and 2014, and the 50-yard freestyle in 2014.
- What NCAA titles did Samantha Pickens achieve? Samantha Pickens won NCAA national championships on the 1-meter dive in both 2013 and 2015, becoming the first University of Arizona female diver to win a national title.
- What were Brad Tandy’s significant swimming accomplishments? Brad Tandy was a national champion in the 50-yard freestyle in 2014, a four-time All-American, and represented South Africa at the 2016 Olympic Games.
- What significant achievement did the 2024 Arizona Triathlon Team accomplish? The 2024 Arizona Triathlon Team won its first NCAA Division I women’s collegiate triathlon national title.
Arizona Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025: Key Highlights
| Inductee/Team | Sport | Key Achievement(s) | University Affiliation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Cordes | Swimming | Olympic Gold Medalist, 6x NCAA Champion, 13x All-American, 2x NCAA Swimmer of the Year | University of Arizona |
| Ben Diggins | Baseball | First Team All-American (2000), 10-4 pitching record, .336 batting average (one season) | University of Arizona |
| Nick Foles | Football | NFL Champion, Super Bowl LII MVP, UA career passing yards and TDs record holder | University of Arizona |
| Channing Frye | Basketball | NBA Champion, 2x First-team All-Pac-10, 8 double-doubles in NCAA Tournament | University of Arizona |
| Margo Geer | Swimming | 3x NCAA Champion (50 & 100 Freestyle), 27x All-American | University of Arizona |
| Samantha Pickens | Diving | 2x NCAA 1-meter Dive Champion, 5x All-American, First UA female diver national title winner | University of Arizona |
| Brad Tandy | Swimming | NCAA 50-yard Freestyle Champion (2014), 4x All-American, 2016 Olympian | University of Arizona |
| 2024 Arizona Triathlon Team | Triathlon | NCAA Division I Women’s Collegiate Triathlon National Champions | University of Arizona |
| 2013 Arizona Men’s Swimming 400 Medley Relay | Swimming | NCAA National Champions | University of Arizona |
| 2012 Arizona Men’s Swimming 200 Medley Relay | Swimming | NCAA National Champions, American Record Set | University of Arizona |
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