Explore the 2026 UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees at University of Nevada Las Vegas
College athletics serve as a central gathering point for university communities, fostering school pride and creating lasting connections among graduates. At the University of Nevada Las Vegas, the athletic department has built a formidable reputation for producing top-tier talent and unforgettable moments. Continuing this tradition, UNLV Athletics recently announced the 2026 class of the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame. This distinguished group features five former Rebel athletes, a longtime administrator, and a dedicated contributor who have all left an indelible mark on the program. Understanding the achievements of these inductees provides valuable insight into the high caliber of competition and dedication present in Las Vegas USA.
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The Legacy of the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame in Las Vegas USA
Established in 1987, the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame exists to preserve the history and celebrate the exceptional individuals who have contributed to the success of the university’s sports programs. Operating as a premier USA Sports Hall of Fame entity on the West Coast, it currently boasts 148 members. The institution inducts a new class every two years, carefully selecting athletes, coaches, and administrators who exemplify the competitive spirit of the Rebels. For Rebel Alumni, the hall of fame represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement, cementing their legacies within the broader history of the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Highlighting the 2026 Rebel Alumni Inductees
The 2026 class features five athletes who excelled in completely different sports, showcasing the widespread athletic excellence fostered at the university. Each inductee transitioned from collegiate success to significant professional or personal achievements.
Erick Fedde: From Local Prospect to Professional Ace
Erick Fedde chose to stay in his hometown, turning down multiple scholarship offers to play for the Hustlin’ Rebels. This decision paid tremendous dividends for both the player and UNLV Athletics. From 2012 to 2014, Fedde started 41 games, compiling a 21-10 record with a 3.18 ERA, which ranks as the fourth-lowest in school history. His junior season culminated in him earning the 2014 Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Year award, first-team All-Mountain West honors, and second-team All-American recognition. The Washington Nationals selected him 18th overall in the MLB draft, making him the third Rebel to go in the first round. Fedde has since built a robust professional career, pitching across nine Major League Baseball seasons and winning the Korean Baseball Organization’s equivalent of the Cy Young and MVP awards during his 2023 season in Korea.
Dana Finkelstein Fall: Building a Record-Breaking Golf Career
Dana Finkelstein Fall left the UNLV women’s golf program as the most decorated player in its history. Competing from 2012 to 2015, she secured two All-American selections, three Mountain West Conference Player of the Year titles, and the 2012 co-Freshman of the Year award. Her statistical dominance remains evident in the school record books, where she holds the marks for the lowest single-season scoring average (71.82) and the most single-season birdies (124). She led the team to four consecutive NCAA Regional appearances and two NCAA Championship berths. After turning professional in 2016, Finkelstein Fall quickly progressed through the mini-tours, earned her LPGA Tour card in 2017, and continues to compete at the highest levels of professional golf.
Charley Hoffman: Securing a National Championship and PGA Tour Legacy
Charley Hoffman played a vital role in one of the most significant achievements in UNLV Athletics history: the 1998 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf National Championship. Only two UNLV programs have won a national title, and Hoffman’s top-20 individual finish at the championship tournament in Albuquerque helped secure the trophy for the Rebels. Following his graduation, Hoffman built an impressive PGA Tour career spanning two decades. He has won four PGA Tour events, finished runner-up ten times, and accumulated over $36 million in career earnings, ranking 52nd in PGA Tour history. Beyond his playing success, Hoffman impacts his communities through the Charley Hoffman Foundation, which has raised nearly $2 million for charities in his native San Diego and his adopted hometown of Las Vegas USA.
Marissa Nichols: Dominating the Softball Diamond and Earning Three Degrees
p>Marissa Nichols produced one of the most spectacular freshman seasons in UNLV softball history in 2005. She set single-season school records for hits (89), runs scored (66), home runs (18), total bases (176), and stolen bases (35), earning first-team All-America honors and the UNLV Sportswoman of the Year award. Despite suffering a severe injury that caused her to miss two subsequent seasons, Nichols returned to lead the Rebels back to the NCAA Tournament in 2009 and posted impressive senior year numbers in 2010. More than 15 years after her final game, she still ranks in the school’s top ten in nine different statistical categories. Academically, Nichols demonstrated equal persistence, earning three degrees from the University of Nevada Las Vegas—a bachelor’s in human services counseling, a master’s in counselor education, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology and higher education. She now applies this extensive educational background as the senior associate athletics director and senior woman administrator at the University of California, Berkeley.
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Jason Thomas: Revitalizing UNLV Football
p>At the turn of the century, the UNLV football program sought a catalyst to end years of struggles. Jason Thomas provided exactly that. After transferring from USC, Thomas immediately took control of the offense. During the 2000 season, he guided the Rebels to an 8-5 record, marking the program’s first winning season in six years and its most wins in 16 years. He capped the season by throwing for 217 yards and three touchdowns in a decisive 31-14 Las Vegas Bowl victory over Arkansas. Although he only played three seasons, Thomas still ranks sixth in school history with 4,997 passing yards and holds the all-time UNLV records for rushing yards and rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. He completed his sociology degree in 2004 and currently serves as a talent liaison for the Vegas Chamber, maintaining a strong connection to the Las Vegas USA business community.
Honoring the Builders Behind UNLV Athletics
p>A successful athletic department relies on more than just the athletes on the field. The 2026 class rightfully recognizes two individuals who dedicated their careers to building and supporting the infrastructure of UNLV Athletics.
Terry Cottle: Three Decades of Dedicated Service
p>Terry Cottle spent 31 years working within the UNLV athletic department, beginning with his arrival as an assistant football coach in 1984. In that debut season, the Rebels went 11-2, captured the Pacific Coast Athletic Association championship, and won the California Raisin Bowl—still the best winning percentage in program history. After ten seasons on the sidelines, the longest coaching tenure in UNLV football history at the time, Cottle transitioned into athletics administration. He served as a recruiting coordinator, director of football operations, and associate athletic director of marketing. Cottle also acted as the primary liaison to the UNLV Football Foundation and helped establish the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame, extending his impact well beyond the university campus into the broader Las Vegas USA community through his work with organizations like Opportunity Village.
Bill Paulos: A Distinguished Contributor Shaping Campus Infrastructure
p>Bill Paulos represents the vital role that Rebel Alumni play in the financial and physical growth of athletic facilities. After moving to Las Vegas in the mid-1960s, Paulos graduated from the UNLV Harrah Hotel College in 1969 as a member of its first graduating class. He built a highly successful career as a casino executive, working with properties like the Fremont Hotel & Casino and Circus Circus Enterprises. For 50 years, Paulos and his wife Bonnie have directed their philanthropic efforts toward the University of Nevada Las Vegas. His contributions directly led to the creation of the Mendenhall Center, the state-of-the-art practice facility for the men’s basketball team. Furthermore, he served as president and a key financial backer of the Runnin’ Rebel Club and played an instrumental role in the construction of the Fertitta Football Complex, a modern facility that has significantly elevated the football program’s national profile.
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The Broader Impact of Athletics on the University of Nevada Las Vegas
p>The stories of these seven inductees illustrate the multifaceted value of college sports. Athletes like Fedde, Finkelstein Fall, Hoffman, Nichols, and Thomas demonstrate the pathway from collegiate competition to professional leagues and advanced careers. Meanwhile, the contributions of Cottle and Paulos highlight how administrative dedication and targeted financial support result in state-of-the-art facilities that attract future generations of talent. Together, these inductees strengthen the network of Rebel Alumni, creating mentorship opportunities and fostering a sense of community that extends far beyond the borders of the Las Vegas campus.
Plan Your Visit to the Induction Ceremony
p>The university will officially welcome the 2026 class into the UNLV Athletics Hall of Fame on November 5. The induction dinner will take place inside the Strip View Pavilion at the Thomas & Mack Center, offering a premium viewing experience that perfectly encapsulates the unique atmosphere of Las Vegas USA. The celebration will continue two days later when the Rebel football team hosts Wyoming at Allegiant Stadium, giving fans a chance to see the current team in action while honoring the past.
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Attending this USA Sports Hall of Fame event provides an excellent opportunity for fans, former players, and local residents to connect with the history of the University of Nevada Las Vegas. The evening promises to be a fitting tribute to individuals who have dedicated years of hard work to their respective sports and to the continued success of UNLV Athletics.
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