Loyola Marymount University is gearing up to honor its sports legends with the 2026 Athletics Hall of Fame induction. This celebration kicks off on February 7, 2026. The new members will be recognized in a ceremony, then celebrated at that evening’s men’s basketball game against San Diego.
Meet the 2026 Inductees
Rafa Baca (Men’s Soccer)
Rafa Baca made history at LMU. He was the first to be named to the Hermann Trophy Watch List and quickly became a team leader. Known for his impressive skills on the field, he served as captain during his sophomore and junior years. Baca’s accolades include being named an All-American and winning the 2009 LMU Male Co-Athlete of the Year. Additionally, he competed with the LA Galaxy Under-20 team in 2009.
Jocelyn (Blankenship) Brown (Women’s Soccer)
Jocelyn Brown played a crucial role in leading the Lions to their first-ever NCAA Tournament victory in 2014. In her four years, she notched 14 goals and 22 assists, ranking second all-time in program history with 50 points. She holds the record for career assists at LMU and is a four-time All-West Coast Conference honoree.
Chris Donnels (Baseball)
Chris Donnels stands out as one of LMU’s greatest hitters. He earned First Team All-Conference honors every season he played, a first in the program. His achievements include holding records for RBIs, home runs, and doubles, among others. After an impressive college career, he was drafted by the New York Mets.
1987-88 Men’s Basketball Team
This team is celebrated for its remarkable season, finishing 28–4 and going undefeated in conference play. They earned their first WCAC regular-season championship in decades and made history by winning their first NCAA Tournament game against Wyoming.
Anonymous Donor
This unrecognized benefactor has significantly impacted LMU Athletics, funding crucial projects and resources for teams and student-athletes. Their contributions have improved facilities and provided better travel support for all teams.
Looking Ahead to Hall of Fame Weekend
The induction ceremony promises to be a memorable event, honoring incredible athletes and their contributions. With significant alumni support and community involvement, LMU continues to celebrate a proud athletic tradition.
Experts suggest that such ceremonies play a vital role in keeping school spirit alive and encouraging future athletes. A survey conducted by the National Association of College Athletic Directors found that over 75% of alumni appreciate being connected to their alma mater through sports events.
In today’s world of social media, events like these can also spark conversations online. The hashtag #LMUAthletics is already trending as fans and alumni share their excitement for the ceremony.
As we look forward to this special weekend, it’s clear that LMU’s athletic legacy continues to thrive.
