LITTLE ROCK, ARK. – The Little Rock Department of Athletics is proud to announce its 2026 Hall of Fame class, celebrating a distinguished group that has made a lasting impact on Trojan history.
This year's class features one iconic coach, a record-setting team, a special contributor, and four outstanding former student-athletes:
- Joe Foley, Head Women's Basketball Coach (2002-24)
- The 2015–16 Men's Basketball Team
- Edina Begic (Volleyball, 2011-14)
- Dr. Mel Colazzo (Men's Tennis, 1977–78)
- Daniel Fox (Men's Golf, 1998–2001)
- Taylor Gault (Women's Basketball, 2011–15)
- Dave Woodman, Broadcaster and Public Address Announcer (2004-present)
"We are thrilled to celebrate this year's Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame class," said Little Rock Director of Athletics
Frank M. Cuervo. "Their accomplishments reflect the very best of our program — from the leadership of our coaches, to the dedication of our student-athletes, the achievements of our teams, and the lasting impact of special contributors to the program – all of them have elevated the status of Trojan Athletics. This honor is a testament to their excellence and the respect they have earned."
The Hall of Fame festivities are scheduled for Feb. 6–7, 2026, and will coincide with the Trojans' women's and men's basketball games vs SIU-Edwardsville.
Following a two-year hiatus, the Department of Athletics has updated Hall of Fame guidelines, including the creation of a nine-person election committee, which convened in June to vote on candidates. Future Hall of Fame elections will occur every other year, with the next induction class slated for 2028.
"I am excited to bring back the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame as a way to honor and remember our proud history," Cuervo said. "It's a special opportunity to celebrate the great Trojans who paved the way for today's success and to recognize the lasting impact they have made on our program."
Meet the 2026 Inductees (listed alphabetically)
Edina Begic – Volleyball (2011–14)
Edina Begic enters the Hall for the second time, having been inducted in 2022 as a member of the historic 2014 volleyball team that advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. That team set program records with 30 wins and an undefeated 20-0 mark in Sun Belt Conference play.
Begic is playing professional volleyball in China, and while her schedule will not allow her to attend the February ceremony, she plans to attend in the future, and will be formally inducted at that time.
"This is a huge honor for me," said Begic, who has also played professionally in Italy and Turkey since she left Little Rock. "It is not just about the wins, the numbers, honors and statistics," Begic said. "This is about the entire journey – the good and the bad. The hard moments, the injuries and the sacrifices like being so far away from my home in Bosnia. I met so many great people at Little Rock that shaped who I am today. That is what this honor is about for me."
Her individual career stands unmatched in Little Rock volleyball history. A four-year starter who missed just one set in her career, she holds nine school records and was a three-time Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Year, three-time first team All-Sun Belt selection, and the 2011 Sun Belt Freshman of the Year. She also earned 2014 Sun Belt Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors while leading the Trojans to the NCAA Tournament.
On the national stage, Begic garnered All-Region and AVCA Honorable Mention All-American honors as a senior. She was also recognized for her achievements in the classroom, twice earning Academic All-District honors and being named the 2014-15 Sun Belt Conference Student-Athlete of the Year.
"I'm really proud of those accomplishments, and it helped me in professional volleyball," Begic said. "It gave me confidence. I couldn't have done it without my teammates, who were always pushing and supporting me. The memories of those awards are still vivid and mean a lot."
Dr. Mel Colazzo – Men's Tennis (1977–78)
Though his Trojan career lasted just two seasons, Dr. Mel Colazzo made a significant impact. He set program records for singles and doubles wins (37) in his first season — then broke it the following year (42).
"I'm deeply honored to be elected into the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame," Colazzo said. "It's a privilege to be included among the highest-achieving student-athletes who helped shape the history of Trojan Athletics."
Colazzo has earned numerous honors on both the professional and amateur levels and remains active on the amateur tennis circuit. He is a member of the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in April 2025.
This Hall of Fame honor carries personal meaning, as his degree from UA Little Rock enabled him to embark on a 30-year orthodontic career based in Little Rock.
"My education at UALR, both on and off the tennis court, helped me grow into who I am today," he said. "I gained priceless education, wonderful friends, and great teammates. Most importantly, I met Sheri Hotvedt-Colazzo — the love of my life and my wife of 42 years."
Joe Foley – Women's Basketball Head Coach (2002–24)
The most successful coach in program history, Joe Foley compiled a 410–243 record at Little Rock after arriving from Arkansas Tech, where he won back-to-back NAIA national championships in 1992 and 1993 and finished as the NCAA Division II runner-up in 1999.
Foley was a five-time Sun Belt Coach of the Year, won OVC Coach of the Year honors in 2022, and led the Trojans to six NCAA Tournament appearances, advancing to the second round on two occasions. His teams also captured five Sun Belt regular-season titles. Foley's 231 SBC victories remain the most in league history.
"It's always a great to feel like you've accomplished something," Foley said. "To be honored for achieving what we did at Little Rock is special. We had so many great kids who worked hard to win as many games as we did. I'm especially glad to share this honor with Taylor Gault, and it means a lot to me that players like Chasity Reed and
Alicia Cash are already in the Hall of Fame."
In 2022, the Jack Stephens Center court was named in Foley's honor. He is also a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.
"You can be a heck of a coach, but if you don't have the players, you won't win," Foley added. "All of our players bought into what we were teaching. We succeeded because of them."
Daniel Fox – Men's Golf (1998–2001)
A native Australian, Daniel Fox is one of the most decorated golfers in program history. He won the 1999 Sun Belt Individual Championship, placed fifth at the NCAA Championships that year, and earned the program's highest-ever national ranking at No. 20, during the 2000–01 season.
"I had a lot to overcome coming to a new country and being on my own. I didn't even have a phone the first month," Fox said. "But I felt at home on the golf course and started playing well early."
Fox remembers his days at Little Rock fondly and is proud of his success.
"Our golf team got as much attention as anyone on campus, it was a lot of fun," Fox said. "I'm shocked and excited to be included in the Hall of Fame."
Taylor Gault – Women's Basketball (2011–15)
A three-time All-Sun Belt Conference honoree, Taylor Gault made an immediate impact by winning SBC Freshman of the Year honors (2011–12) and ending her career as the Sun Belt Player of the Year. She led the Trojans to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a historic 66–60 upset over No. 6 seed Texas A&M in 2015.
Gault ranks second all-time among Trojans in scoring (1,973 points) and holds school records for free throws made, free throws attempted, and games played.
"I'm really shocked and honored," she said. "Being in the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame means so much because of the hard work we put in. Coach Foley pushed us, we responded, and were very successful. Reflecting on that makes me emotional and grateful."
Gault was inducted into the Conway High School Athletics Hall of Fame in August 2025.
2015–16 Men's Basketball Team
Led by head coach Chris Beard, the 2015–16 Trojans authored one of the most memorable seasons in program history. They finished 30–5, setting program and Sun Belt records for wins, and were a perfect 14–0 at home.
Little Rock stunned No. 5 seed Purdue in double overtime, 85–83, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Josh Hagins led the way with 31 points against Purdue after earning first-team All-Sun Belt and All-Tournament honors. Marcus Johnson Jr. (second team) and Roger Woods (third team) also received all-conference recognition.
The Trojans started the season 10–0 and gained national attention throughout their historic run.
"Our 2015–16 championship team is very appreciative and deeply proud to be inducted into the Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame," said Beard, now the head coach at Ole Miss. "It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since our historic season, but it is easy to remember how and why our team was an elite champion. Everyone in our program, most importantly our players, were committed to the one common goal of winning. On behalf of everyone in our program, especially our players, thank you for recognizing this team."
Dave Woodman – Public Address Announcer (2004–Present)
A familiar voice in Arkansas sports, Dave Woodman has been a broadcasting staple for decades. He served as Sports Director at KARK (1970–91), later transitioning to news, before retiring in 2015.
He began calling Little Rock men's basketball games in 2004 and added women's games in 2006, serving as the public address announcer ever since.
"I'm just very honored to be included with such elite company," said Woodman, now 90. "I don't know if I'm deserving, but I appreciate it very much."
Woodman was inducted into the Arkansas Sportswriters and Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2018 and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Mid-America Chapter's Golden Circle in 2023.
Trojan fans, alumni, and supporters will have the opportunity to celebrate the incredible legacy of excellence at this year's Little Rock Athletics Hall of Fame induction dinner and ceremonies. It's going to be an unforgettable evening honoring some of the most outstanding figures in our program's history. Details on how to purchase tickets for this exciting celebration will be announced soon.
