Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Athletics announced today the Hall of Fame Class of 2026, a distinguished group of former student-athletes and contributors whose accomplishments and service have left a lasting impact on Hofstra Athletics.

The 2026 Hofstra Pride Athletics Hall of Fame and Golf Outing will take place on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor, New York. 

"The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 speaks to the depth and breadth of talent that has shaped Hofstra Athletics over time," said Hofstra President Susan Poser. "Each inductee has contributed to a tradition that continues to elevate the University, and I look forward to celebrating their accomplishments."

"The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 reflects everything that is special about Hofstra Athletics," said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. "This group represents excellence in competition, leadership, service, and a deep commitment to our University. We are also honored to remember those being inducted posthumously, whose lives and legacies remain forever connected to Hofstra. As we reflect on 25 years since September 11, this class serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds within our Hofstra community and the pride we take in honoring those who have shaped our history."

The Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes Roman Fleszar (wrestling), Leah Galton (women's soccer), and Ken Rood (men's basketball), along with the posthumous induction of Noell Maerz (football), Courtney Walcott (football), Glenn Wilkinson (football and men's lacrosse), and Ray Downey Sr. (extraordinary service to Hofstra Athletics), who will be honored as the Hofstra community reflects on 25 years since September 11, 2001. Together, this class reflects both excellence in athletics and a lasting bond with Hofstra University, recognizing individuals whose impact, service, and legacy will forever be part of the Pride.
 
With this class, the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame will include 143 individuals and nine teams. 

Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
 
Roman Fleszar | Wrestling | Class of 2001
Fleszar wrestled for Hofstra from 1996 through 2001 and is one of the most accomplished competitors in program history. A two-time NCAA Division I All-American at 133 pounds, he placed seventh in 2000 and fifth in 2001. Fleszar was a three-time NCAA Championship qualifier, a three-time ECWA champion from 1999 to 2001, and a three-time New York State Collegiate Championship winner. He holds the Hofstra single-season victories record with 44 wins in 1998-99 and finished his career with 126 victories, ranking fourth all-time.
 
Leah Galton | Women's Soccer | Class of 2016
Galton played for the Pride from 2012 to 2015 and is one of the most decorated players in Hofstra women's soccer history. A Second Team NSCAA All-American in 2015, she was a semifinalist for the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy. Galton won three consecutive CAA Player of the Year awards from 2013 to 2015 and remains the program's all-time leader in points with 122. She also ranks second in goals and fourth in assists. Galton was selected 13th overall in the 2016 NWSL Draft by Sky Blue FC and went on to play professionally for Bayern Munich and Manchester United, while representing England at multiple youth national team levels.
 
Ken Rood | Men's Basketball | Class of 1977
Rood competed for Hofstra men's basketball from 1973 to 1977 and served as a two-time team captain. He was a member of two NCAA Tournament teams and concluded his career with 1,368 points, ranking fourth all-time at the time of his graduation. Rood also finished in the top 10 in the ECC in scoring during each of his final two seasons. Rood was a member of two East Coast Conference Championship teams in 1976 and 1977 and averaged 15.4 points and 16.1 points per game in his final two seasons in a Hofstra uniform. 

As the Hofstra community reflects on 25 years since September 11, Hofstra Athletics will induct the following individuals. Three were former Hofstra student-athletes, and one was a longtime supporter whose family legacy is deeply interwoven with the University. Together, they represent the strength, spirit, and values of the Hofstra community, which will always remember and honor their lives.
 
Noell Maerz | Football
Maerz was a two-year letterman for Hofstra football in 1990 and 1991 and a member of the 1990 Lambert Bowl Championship team as well as the NCAA Division III Eastern Regional Championship team. During his Hofstra career, the Pride posted a combined 20-3 record. Maerz's commitment to his team and his University remains an enduring part of Hofstra football history.
 
Courtney Walcott | Football
A four-year starter from 1982 to 1985, Walcott was a key member of the 1983 Lambert-Meadowlands Bowl Championship team. He concluded his Hofstra career with 225 tackles, 11 pass deflections, and six interceptions, and later received the 1995 Mayor's Trophy. Walcott's legacy as a student-athlete and leader continues to be remembered within the Hofstra community.
 
Glenn Wilkinson | Football and Men's Lacrosse
Wilkinson was a two-sport student-athlete at Hofstra from 1974 to 1978, competing in football and men's lacrosse. As a defenseman, he helped lead the lacrosse program to four consecutive winning seasons and a 32-17 overall record. His dedication, versatility, and passion for Hofstra Athletics left a lasting imprint on both programs.
 
Ray Downey Sr. | Extraordinary Service To Hofstra Athletics
Downey was a longtime supporter of Hofstra Athletics and a Deputy Chief with the FDNY. His connection to Hofstra runs deep, as two of his sons competed in wrestling for the Pride. The Hofstra wrestling room bears his name, a lasting tribute to his commitment to the program and the University. Downey's legacy reflects courage, service, and an unbreakable bond with the Hofstra community.

Twenty-five years later, Hofstra Athletics remembers these four individuals not only for their achievements and connection to the University, but for the lives they lived and the legacy they leave behind. Their place in the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame ensures that their stories, their impact, and their bond with Hofstra will never be forgotten.

To reserve your seat at the Hall of Fame Dinner, reserve a foursome at the golf outing, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Athletic Development Office at (516) 463-4919, prideclub@hofstra.edu, or online at GoHofstra.com/HOFGOLF26.