Austin, Texas, September 13, 2025
News Summary
The Texas Athletics Hall of Honor held its annual induction ceremony recognizing the Class of 2025, which includes ten remarkable former athletes from various sports. The ceremony took place at the LBJ Auditorium on the University of Texas campus. Inductees include Olympians, Hall of Famers, and champions whose contributions and achievements have significantly impacted Texas athletics. Their accomplishments will also be acknowledged during halftime at the upcoming Longhorns football game, inspiring current athletes at the university.
Austin, Texas – Ten former athletes were honored as the Class of 2025 during the Texas Athletics Hall of Honor induction ceremony held on September 12, 2025, at the LBJ Auditorium and Conference Center on the University of Texas (UT) campus. This annual event celebrates the exceptional achievements of former student-athletes, coaches, and staff who have significantly impacted Texas athletics.
The latest inductees will also be recognized during halftime at the Longhorns’ football game against UTEP on September 13, 2025. This recognition serves both to honor their accomplishments and to inspire current athletes at the university.
Men’s Hall of Honor Inductees
The Men’s Hall of Honor for 2025 features five outstanding athletes:
- Nate Dusing (Swimming & Diving, 1998-2001): A two-time Olympian and medalist, Dusing is celebrated for being a two-time NCAA individual champion and nine-time NCAA relay champion. He was fundamental in leading the Longhorns to NCAA team championships in 2000 and 2001. Dusing is a 27-time All-American.
- Royal Ivey (Basketball, 2001-04): Recognized as a top perimeter defender, Ivey played a crucial role in guiding the Longhorns to three Sweet 16 appearances and a Final Four in 2003. He had a successful 10-year NBA career and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets.
- Kyle Russell (Baseball, 2006-08): Russell is a first-team All-American and the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year for 2007. He led Texas to two Big 12 regular-season titles and holds the career home runs record at Texas with 57 home runs.
- Rodrique Wright (Football, 2002-05): Wright was a four-year starting defensive tackle who received first-team All-America honors and was a finalist for the Lombardi Award. His contributions helped secure the Longhorns’ National Championship victory in 2005.
- Bobby Mitchell (Football, 1968-70): A vintage selection, Mitchell was an offensive guard whose leadership was instrumental in helping Texas achieve a school record of 30 consecutive victories and win two National Championships.
Women’s Hall of Honor Inductees
The Women’s Hall of Honor also features five remarkable female athletes:
- Kirsten Wengler Burton (Swimming & Diving, 1983-86): A 21-time All-American and five-time NCAA relay champion, Burton played a significant role in leading Texas to three consecutive NCAA team titles from 1984 to 1986.
- Haley Eckerman (Volleyball, 2011-14): Eckerman, a two-time National Player of the Year, is a four-time All-American and three-time Big 12 Conference Player of the Year. She made a vital contribution to Texas’s 2012 NCAA Championship victory.
- Nicole Devonish Gilmore (Track & Field, 1994-97): An eight-time All-American and Southwest Conference champion in long and triple jump, Gilmore was a key contributor to the women’s team success at the NCAA Championships.
- Tiffany Jackson (Basketball, 2004-07): Posthumously honored, Jackson was one of three women in Texas basketball history to earn All-America honors three times. She amassed over 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, 300 steals, and 150 blocks before her passing from cancer in October 2022.
- Nancy Ledbetter Ramsbottom (Golf, 1981-84): The SWC Player of the Year and individual champion in 1984, Ramsbottom also enjoyed a successful 16-year professional career on the LPGA Tour.
Significance of the Hall of Honor
The Texas Athletics Hall of Honor was established to recognize individuals whose excellence and character have made a lasting impact on Texas athletics. The inductees’ achievements contribute to the rich history and legacy of sports at the University of Texas. By honoring these individuals, the Hall aims to inspire current and future generations of athletes.
| Inductee Name | Sport | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Nate Dusing | Swimming & Diving | Two-time Olympian, 27-time All-American |
| Royal Ivey | Basketball | Four-year starter, led team to Final Four |
| Kyle Russell | Baseball | First-team All-American, career home runs record |
| Rodrique Wright | Football | First-team All-American, National Championship contributor |
| Bobby Mitchell | Football | Instrumental in 30-game winning streak |
| Kirsten Wengler Burton | Swimming & Diving | 21-time All-American, NCAA team titles |
| Haley Eckerman | Volleyball | Two-time National Player of the Year |
| Nicole Devonish Gilmore | Track & Field | Key contributor at NCAA Championships |
| Tiffany Jackson | Basketball | Posthumous All-America honors |
| Nancy Ledbetter Ramsbottom | Golf | 1984 SWC individual champion |
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Additional Resources
- Texas Longhorns News: Induction of 10 New Members
- Wikipedia: Texas Longhorns
- Statesman News: Kyle Russell Hall of Honor
- Google Search: Texas Athletics Hall of Honor
- The Daily Texan: Hall of Honor Class 2025
- Google Scholar: Texas Athletics Hall of Honor
- Texas Longhorns News: 2025 Hall of Honor Class Announcement
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Athletics Hall of Honor
- KXAN: 10 Longhorns in Hall of Honor Class 2025
- Google News: Texas Athletics Hall of Honor
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