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Phillip Sylvester, E. Lilyan Spencer headline FAMU Sports Hall of Fame 2025 induction class
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- Phillip Sylvester, E. Lilyan Spencer headline FAMU Sports Hall of Fame 2025 induction class
The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Sports Hall of Fame Committee is proud to announce the Class of 2025. This year's distinguished class includes 15 honorees: eight former student-athletes, two legendary coaches, and five outstanding supporters of Rattler Athletics.
Marvin Green, Chairman of the FAMU Sports Hall of Fame, expressed pride in this year's selections "It is always an honor to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on FAMU Athletics, both on and off the field," said Green. "This year's class includes record holders at the university, conference, and national levels. Our coaching inductees have been pillars in developing young athletes, and our supporters have consistently shown unwavering commitment, playing a crucial role in the success of our programs."
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Female Student-Athlete Inductees
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Q'Vaunda Curry – Women's Basketball – Most 3-pointers made in women's basketball when she exhausted her eligibility. Team captain for three years. Top 20 in the NCAA three years in games played, 3-pt field goals and 3-pt field goal attempts. Top 20 in the NCAA two years in player efficiency rating.
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Amber Fullwood – Softball – 2X All-MEAC/ 4-Time MEAC Champion (FAMU record). She was a 4-year starter. 4X Women's NCAA Softball Regional Appearances, Softball 2017 Most Valuable Player, 2013 Rookie of the Year (softball), 3X First Team All-MEAC, 2016 Golden Glove Award (3rd base), 2015 Utility Player of the Year Award (pitcher and 3rd base).
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Rachel Pye – Women's Tennis – MEAC Top 50 All-Time tennis player. 4-Year Starter/All-MEAC/Team leader/All-Tournament All MEAC First Team 2009 and 2010, All MEAC Tournament First Team Doubles, 2010 FAMU Women's Tennis MVP 2007, 2009, 2010 FAMU Letter Winner 2007,2008,2009,2010
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E. Lilyan Spencer – Women's Tennis – Was FAMU's greatest women's tennis player behind only Althea Gibson. She won the women's state title for 10 years without a defeat. She won the 1937 women's doubles championship in the ATA. Her championship feat is mentioned in an exhibit of the International Tennis Hall of Fame entitled: "Breaking the Barriers: The ATA and Black Tennis Pioneers."
Male Student-Athlete Inductees
FAMU running back Phillip Sylvester had 26 carries for 146 yards and three touchdowns in the 2010 Florida Classic. The Rattlers defeated Bethune-Cookman 38-27.
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Wayne Barber – Men's Basketball – FAMU's No.2 career rebounder and 6th in All-Time scoring (1,579). Led the team in rebounding (1974). A 6'7" Center, superbly gifted player and one of the most fierce of big men in the middle he led the team in block shots and pulled down (1,033) rebounds.
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Jomo Cousins – Football – Starred in both Football and Track. Played in NFL. Held FAMU and MEAC records for shot put and was a standout discus thrower. Won three MEAC titles in football under Billy Joe and went to the NCAA playoffs each year, including to the semi-finals.
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Karlos Odom – Football – 1993 Defensive Rookie of the Year, 54 tackles 7 Pass break-ups, 2 Interceptions 1994 37 Tackles, 4 Pass Break-ups, 1 Interception, 1995 Sheridan All-American, All MEAC, lead the conference with 5 Interceptions 69 Tackles, 5 Interceptions, 8 Pass break-ups, 1996 Preseason All-American, ALL MEAC, 77 Tackles, 7 Pass Break-ups, 3 Interceptions, career- 237 Tackles, 26 Pass break-ups, 11 Interceptions.
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Philip Sylvester – Football – Three-time Florida Classic MVP/All-MEAC/All-American 2007 MEAC Rookie of the Year, 2007 Atlanta Classic MVP, 2007 MEAC All-Academic Team. 2007, 2009, 2010 Florida Classic MVP, 2010 HBCU All Star Game, FAMU Football Team Captain. Graduated with honors in engineering.
Coaching Inductees
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Willie Booker – Men's Basketball
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Jorge Olaves – Swimming
Contributor and Supporter Inductees
FAMU Interim Athletic Director Michael Smith speaks at 220 Quarterback Club
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Roy Moore – Financial Contributor
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Maurice Pickett – Financial Contributor
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Jacqueline Perkins – Athletics Supporter – Was the first female assistant trainer and equipment manager in FAMU history. She broke ground in the area as she was one of the first women anywhere to hold her distinction. She assisted legendary trainer/equipment manager George "Godfather" Thompson and was supported in her endeavors by Hansel Tookes, Sr. and coach Rudy Hubbard.
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Michael Smith – Athletics Supporter – A former co-captain of the Rattler football team, Smith would thrill as a punt and kick returner. He would graduate with his MBA and work at FAMU in auxillary services, where he oversaw FAMU Athletic interaction with the university. Four times he served as interim athletic director, guiding the program at times when it was most troubled. He also had a solid history of coaching hires as interim director of athletics, including Jamey Shouppe (baseball) and Garfield Ellenwood (Track & Field).
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Van Wilson – Athletics Supporter – One of the longest tenured volunteers in the history of FAMU. Wilson began serving under his father in the late 1970s. While keeping stats for all the sports became a primary responsibility of his, integrating technology in the athletic department was one of his grandest achievements. He volunteered at every FAMU Relays from 1977 until the last ones hosted by Darlene Moore around 2017 (40 years).
The 2025 FAMU Sports Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony will take place on Friday, Sept. 26 at 7:00 p.m. Details regarding the venue and ticketing will be announced in the coming weeks.
This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: FAMU Sports Hall of Fame announces its 2025 inductees, ceremony date
