ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The University of Michigan has announced its eight-member Hall of Honor Class of 2026, which includes prominent names associated with the institution.
The class includes former Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball coach John Beilein, softball star Sierra Romero, longtime women’s gymnastics coach Bev Plocki, former wrestling coach and wrestler Joe McFarland, women’s gymnast Nikki Peters, two-time NCAA wrestling champion Kellen Russell, former major leaguer Chris Sabo and water polo standout Shana Welch.
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The induction ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 11 at Crisler Center.
The inductees also will be recognized during Michigan’s football game against Oklahoma on Sept. 12.
The Hall of Honor, established in 1978, recognizes athletes, coaches and administrators who have made significant contributions to Michigan athletics.
Candidates are considered based on accomplishments that include NCAA championships, All-America honors, Olympic participation, professional championships, conference titles and record-setting performances.
Beilein transformed Michigan basketball
Beilein is being honored after transforming Michigan men’s basketball during his 12 seasons from 2007 to 2019.
He led the Wolverines to nine NCAA Tournament appearances, including national runner-up finishes in 2013 and 2018, two Final Four appearances, two Big Ten regular-season championships and consecutive conference tournament titles in 2017 and 2018.
He finished with a 278-150 record and left as the winningest coach in program history.
Romero rewrote Michigan softball record books
Romero, widely regarded as the most decorated player in Michigan softball history, won the 2016 USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award after helping lead the Wolverines to four Big Ten championships and three Women’s College World Series appearances.
A four-time NFCA All-American, she graduated as the NCAA career leader in runs scored and grand slams before going on to a decade-long professional career.
Plocki built dynasty in women’s gymnastics
Plocki, who retired after 36 seasons as Michigan’s women’s gymnastics coach, guided the program to its first NCAA team championship in 2021.
She won 26 Big Ten championships — the most conference titles by any coach in any sport in league history — while earning two National Coach of the Year honors and 11 Big Ten Coach of the Year awards.
McFarland left mark as wrestler, coach
McFarland enters the Hall of Honor for his accomplishments as both a wrestler and a coach. A four-time All-American during his competitive career, he later spent 19 seasons as Michigan’s head coach, leading the Wolverines to three Big Ten dual championships, 11 top-10 NCAA finishes and more than 200 dual-meet victories.
Russell made history on mat
Russell became Michigan’s first four-time Big Ten wrestling champion and won NCAA titles at 141 pounds in 2011 and 2012. He posted a 134-12 collegiate record and later served seven seasons as an assistant coach before returning to the Wolverines’ staff this month.
Peters among program’s all-time greats
Peters helped Michigan finish as the national runner-up in 1999 and earned six All-America honors during her gymnastics career. She remains among the program’s leaders in perfect 10 scores and Big Ten individual championships.
Sabo went from Michigan to World Series champion
Sabo starred for the Wolverines before being selected 30th overall in the 1983 MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. The National League Rookie of the Year went on to a nine-year major league career that included three All-Star selections and a World Series championship in 1990.
Welch became water polo program’s all-time scoring leader
Welch becomes the second water polo player inducted into Michigan’s Hall of Honor after a career that included three consecutive Collegiate Water Polo Association Division MVP awards.
She remains the program’s career leader with 297 goals and was inducted into the CWPA Hall of Fame in 2016.