WEST CHESTER, PA – West Chester University announced the Class of 2026 Monday afternoon, and the list sees eight new members ready for induction into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame.
The West Chester Athletics Hall of Fame banquet will be held Saturday, April 25, at 7 p.m. inside the ballrooms of the new SECC Building across from Hollinger Field House on the campus of West Chester University. A cocktail hour will be held from 6 to 7 pm, with the banquet program to begin afterwards. Tickets are now available by accessing the
WCU Athletics Hall of Fame Registration Form on the WCU Foundation's website.
This year's class includes:
Kristin Arnold ('13), Kaley LaFleur ('13), Alex Lennon ('13), Mary Beth Green ('09), Tammy Leane ('06), Greta Neff ('04), Andrew Bradley ('98) and former men's and women's swimming & diving head coach
Jamie Rudisill.
All eight inductees bring the West Chester University Athletics Hall of Fame Total number of honorees to 560. The Killinger Foundation held its annual Football Hall of Fame banquet in November, where former gridiron stars
Andrew Cohen '17, Orfi Collilouri '74, Tyler Drob '18, Trey Farmer '13, and
Eric Wentling '85 were honored. The Messikomer Foundation Men's Basketball Hall of Fame inducted
Tyrell Long ('18) this past October.
For the first time since 2022, West Chester will present the prestigious Golden Ram Award when it recognizes
Joe Margolis ('58) as part of the Hall of Fame banquet. Margolis becomes just the third recipient of the Golden Ram Award since its inception in 2019. The Golden Ram Award honors an alum whose career success following graduation via leadership, service, advancement, or other similar means is exemplary in nature. It serves as the athletic department's version of a Lifetime Achievement Award and represents outstanding accomplishments over an entire career.
Margolis spent 11 years as the men's swimming coach at Brooklyn College, winning 10 conference championships and earning four straight MET Coach of the Year awards from 1971 to 1974. He took on the duties as women's swimming head coach when that sport was added to the school's varsity program.
In 1977, Margolis was hired as the school's athletics director, a position he held until 1986. During his decade as head of Brooklyn College's athletic department, Margolis was widely recognized as one of the most published athletic directors in the country. He led the Kingsmen to unprecedented success, eventually engineering the school's rise from Division III to Division I in the early 1980s. Along the way, he established the Kingsmen Athletic Scholarship Organization (KASO) to help students attend Brooklyn College. He also started a movement for a major sports complex in Brooklyn, N.Y., now known as the Barclays Center.
West Chester will also honor retired faculty member, Dr. Monica Lepore, and the voice of the Golden Rams on radio and web streams over the last decade and a half, Mike Samsel, with the Addy Kelly Award and Bill Vansant Award, respectively, in recognition of their dedication and service to West Chester University Athletics. The Addy Kelly Award is presented to an individual who exhibits the outstanding support, loyalty, commitment, and dedication of Addy Kelly, and her commitment to West Chester University athletics. Dr. Lepore volunteers her time as an assistant coach with the Golden Rams' swimming teams.
The West Chester University Athletics Hall of Fame was created in 2000, when three of the five existing halls of fame (Baseball, Wrestling, and Women's Athletics) were merged into one umbrella. The Killinger Foundation (Football) and Messikomer Foundation (Men's Basketball) still operate separately, but inductees into those halls of fame are included in the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame.
The introduction of the Class of 2026 marks the end of a lengthy selection process that began immediately after the Class of 2025 was inducted last February. A six-member selection committee, representing athletic administrators, current head coaches, and former West Chester University athletes, began developing a workable list from the hundreds of athletes nominated. Only athletes who graduated from WCU are considered, and only those 10 years removed from their playing days are eligible.
In addition, the selection committee followed a charter established to support the West Chester University Athletics Hall of Fame, which outlined a myriad of strict eligibility requirements for former athletes, coaches, and administrators to be considered. "Primary" consideration for election to the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame was granted to accomplishments during an individual's tenure as an athlete, coach, or administrator at West Chester University. Honors attained or accomplishments that pre- or post-dated a candidate's time at West Chester University were granted "secondary" consideration.
Once the selection committee compiles its recommended list, the names are forwarded to the Director of Athletics,
Terry Beattie, for his review and official ratification.
Here is your WCU Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026:
Kristin Arnold – (Class of '13)
Field Hockey
Kristin Arnold is one of the most decorated goalkeepers in West Chester University field hockey history. Arnold backstopped the Golden Rams to back-to-back NCAA Division II National Championships in 2011 and 2012, serving as the team's starting goalkeeper during both National Title runs.
A First-Team All-PSAC selection in 2012, Arnold set multiple school and Division II program records. Her 37 career wins are the most by a goalkeeper in West Chester's Division II era, and her 14 career shutouts rank tied for third all-time in program history. In 2012, she posted a 0.88 goals-against average – the lowest ever by a Golden Rams goalkeeper in the Division II era – while recording a program-record 10 shutouts and 20 victories en route to the national championship.
Arnold's 113 saves during the 2011 season remain the most by a West Chester goalkeeper in the Division II era. She was recruited to West Chester University while the Golden Rams' field hockey program was still Division I and served as the team's starting goalkeeper three seasons – one at the Division I level and two at the Division II level.
Kaley LaFleur – (Class of '13)
Women's Gymnastics
Kaley LaFleur is one of the most decorated gymnasts in West Chester University history since the turn of the century. A two-time USA Gymnastics All-American and four-time national qualifier, LaFleur was a cornerstone of the Golden Rams' reclamation and return to prominence on the national stage.
Competing in the all-around for most of her collegiate career, LaFleur was especially known for her excellence on the balance beam. She graduated holding the West Chester school record on beam (9.85) and placed sixth in the event at the USA Gymnastics National Championships with a 9.7 in 2013. She also earned a 15th-place finish in the all-around at nationals that year with a score of 38.2.
LaFleur played a key role in elevating the program's national profile, helping raise the team's Regional Qualifying Score from 182.3 in her freshman season to just shy of 190 by her senior year. Her achievements, leadership, and impact on team performance helped to once again establish West Chester gymnastics as a mid-major power on the East Coast.
Alex Lennon Bradley – (Class of '13)
Women's Basketball
Alex Lennon Bradley is one of the most prolific shot blockers and interior scorers in West Chester University women's basketball history. A four-year letterwinner, Lennon, as she was known during her college playing days, left her mark across the Golden Rams' record book and remains one of the program's most impactful post players.
Lennon Bradley ranks among the Top 10 in school history in five major categories and is West Chester's all-time leader in career blocks with 304. She also ranks fourth in field goal percentage (.505), fifth in rebounds (734), and 13th in scoring (1,154 points). She finished second all-time in PSAC history in career blocks, recorded 102 blocks in 2012–13, shot .544 in 2011–12 (ninth-best in school history), and tied the school record with seven blocks in a game in her first ever game at West Chester.
A three-time All-PSAC East selection, Lennon Bradley was named PSAC East Defensive Player of the Year in both 2011-12 and 2012-13, becoming the only multi-year recipient of the award in West Chester women's basketball history. She was also a two-time All-ECAC selection and helped lead the Golden Rams to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2012.
Mary Beth Green – (Class of '09)
Women's Lacrosse
Mary Beth Green is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in West Chester University women's lacrosse history. She helped lead the Golden Rams to the 2008 NCAA Division II National Championship, earning Defensive MVP honors for her performance in the tournament.
Known for her energy and constant communication, Green was often heard directing the defense from the goal. During her career, she contributed to three national championship appearances in four seasons and was part of a 26-game winning streak across the 2008 and 2009 seasons. She was recognized as a Second-Team IWLCA All-American and earned All-PSAC and All-Region honors twice.
She ranks among the program's all-time leaders in multiple categories, including second in career wins (51), a program-best 7.24 goals-against average, second in save percentage (.557), and third in games played in goal (61). Her 20 wins during the 2008 championship season are tied for the second most in a single season in school history.
Tammy Leane – (Class of '06)
Women's Swimming
Tammy Leane is one of the most accomplished NCAA Division II swimmers of her era. Leane earned seven All-America honors in 2006 and two more in 2005, while capturing four NCAA National Championships in 2006 and two national titles in 2005. She also won six PSAC crowns in 2005 and helped lead the Golden Rams to a Top 5 finish at the NCAAs in 2005, one of the program's strongest national performances.
A record-setting performer, Leane established seven PSAC records during her collegiate career and set the NCAA Division II record in the 400 individual medley. She was also honored as West Chester University's Female Athlete of the Year in 2005, highlighting her academic achievements as well as her athletic accolades.
Leane's citations at nationals elevated West Chester University women's swimming to the next level and positioned the Golden Rams for the continued success the program enjoys today.
Greta Neff – (Class of '04)
Women's Volleyball / Women's Basketball
A dynamic two-sport standout at West Chester University in the early 2000s, Greta Neff made a lasting impact as a dominant force in both volleyball and basketball. In volleyball, she was a two-time First-Team All-PSAC East selection (2001, 2002) and the 2002 PSAC East Player of the Year. Neff ranks among the program's all-time greats, placing third in career assists (3,360) and second in single-season assists (1,232). She also ranks tied for third all-time in assists per set and remains a top single-season performer with 10.81 assists per set in 2002 and 10.34 in 2001. Her all-around excellence is reflected in top-10 program rankings for service aces (173), blocks (248), and single-season hitting percentage (.311 in 2001). She helped lead the volleyball program to a PSAC East title (2002) and was also recognized as a multiple-time PSAC Scholar-Athlete, excelling academically while competing at the highest level.
In basketball, Neff walked on to the women's team as a sophomore and earned her way into a starting role, exemplifying her competitive drive and commitment. She later helped the Golden Rams capture back-to-back PSAC East championships in 2003 and 2004, cementing her place as a key contributor in two programs.
Beyond her collegiate playing career, Neff built an extraordinary coaching legacy at West Chester Henderson High School, serving 33 seasons as a head coach. She compiled a 276–177 record in volleyball and a 168–101 record in girls' basketball, guiding teams to a record-setting 30-win basketball season, a district championship (2018), and two Ches-Mont League titles (2018, 2024). Her excellence was recognized with Coach of the Year honors in 2018. A certified Health and Physical Education teacher in the Downingtown Area School District, Greta Neff's legacy continues to inspire young athletes through leadership, perseverance, and sustained excellence both on and off the court.
Andrew Bradley – (Class of '98)
Men's Diving
Andrew Bradley was a four-year letterwinner for the West Chester University men's diving program, where he trained under the legendary Dr. Ronn Jenkins. From the moment Andrew stepped onto the pool deck, it was clear that he possessed something special. His work ethic, competitive spirit, and attention to detail quickly set him apart as one of the program's premier divers.
Throughout his collegiate career, Andrew achieved extraordinary success on the national stage. He earned an impressive four All-America honors along with three additional honorable mention All-America recognitions. His consistency at the highest level was remarkable — competing against the best divers in the country and never finishing lower than 13th place at the NCAA Championships.
Andrew's greatest national performance came at the 1998 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships, where he delivered an unforgettable performance on the 1-meter springboard. That day, Andrew finished as the national runner-up, missing the national championship by a razor-thin margin of just 0.45 points. If you ask Andrew about that meet, he might tell you it came down to a single dive where he forgot to point his toe — something he jokingly says he's still in therapy for. But anyone who understands diving knows that level of precision is exactly what defines elite competitors.
His success extended beyond the NCAA stage as well. In 1997, Andrew captured the ECAC Championship on the 1-meter springboard and also placed third on the 3-meter board at the same meet, further cementing his place among the top collegiate divers of his era.
Beyond the medals and accolades, Andrew played a pivotal role in elevating the reputation of West Chester University's diving program during the late 1990s. His performances helped bring national recognition to the program and inspired future generations of divers who followed in his path.
Jamie Rudisill – Head Coach
Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving
Jamie Rudisill left an indelible mark on an institution and a conference during his 29 years of head coaching the men's and women's swimming & diving programs at West Chester University.
Throughout his illustrious college coaching career, Rudisill won 34 combined conference championships and finished among the top four programs in the country 10 times at nationals while mentoring over 100 All-Americans. His men and women each won their respective conference titles from the 2006-07 campaign until his retirement after the 2016-17 season. A grand total of 28 of his swimmers won conference athlete of the year, including the men's recipient in 10 of his last 11 years at the helm of the Golden Rams.
Rudisill was named PSAC coach of the year 16 combined times (11 on the men's side, 5 on the women's) and mentored 11 freshman of the year winners. Under the guidance of Rudisill, West Chester's swimming & diving teams authored a combined record of 331-136 (.709) in dual meets. The records on each side stand almost identical, with the men's teams winning 165 meets, and the women taking 166 decisions. He leaves as the school's all-time winningest swim coach, as well as a WCU all-sports record of 19 consecutive PSAC titles on the men's side.
Over his three decades on the deck of West Chester University's Graham Natatorium pool, Rudisill tutored six female national champions, who accumulated 26 NCAA titles, and four male national champions, who accumulated eight NCAA titles, along with three relay championships. Four of Rudisill's female swimmers broke national records, and current Golden Rams' assistant coach, Victor Polyakov, won five individual national championships in five different events at West Chester University.
