A Legacy Forged in Excellence: Six LSU Icons to Enter Athletics Hall of Fame

The hallowed halls of the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame are poised to welcome six new members, each a titan in their respective sports, forever etching their names into the storied legacy of the Fighting Tigers. This 2025 induction class, announced with resounding applause, celebrates not just athletic prowess but also the enduring spirit, character, and unwavering commitment to excellence that define the LSU tradition. The distinguished group comprises a national championship-winning men’s basketball coach, a legendary men’s golf coach who steered the program to multiple national titles, a decorated gymnast who soared to All-American heights, and three phenomenal basketball players – two from the women’s program and one from the men’s – each leaving an indelible mark on the hardwood.

Leading this illustrious class is John Brady, the head coach who masterminded the LSU men’s basketball team’s captivating journey to the 2006 NCAA Final Four. Brady’s tenure, spanning from 1997 to 2008, was marked by a relentless pursuit of victory and the cultivation of exceptional talent. He stands as only the third coach in the program’s history to guide the Tigers to the coveted Final Four, a testament to his strategic acumen and leadership. The unforgettable 2006 run included a stunning upset of top-ranked Duke, a victory that reverberated across the college basketball landscape and ignited the passion of the LSU faithful. Brady’s impact extended beyond that remarkable season, as he was twice named SEC Coach of the Year, in 2000 and 2006, and mentored three SEC Players of the Year: Stromile Swift, Brandon Bass, and Glen Davis, alongside four SEC Freshmen of the Year. His induction recognizes his profound contribution to LSU basketball, elevating the program to national prominence and leaving a legacy of grit and determination.

Joining Brady in the Coach/Administrator category is J. Perry Cole, the visionary leader of the LSU men’s golf program during its early years of national dominance. Cole’s guidance propelled the Tigers to NCAA national championships in 1940 and 1942, establishing a foundation of excellence that continues to define the program. His ability to cultivate talent and foster a winning mentality laid the groundwork for LSU’s enduring success in collegiate golf. Cole’s induction celebrates his pivotal role in shaping the program’s identity and his lasting impact on LSU athletics.

The student-athlete selections for the 2025 Hall of Fame class are equally inspiring, featuring four individuals who achieved remarkable feats in their respective sports. Rheagan Courville, a name synonymous with grace and athleticism in LSU gymnastics, earned her place among the greats as a 23-time All-American. Her remarkable career (2012-2015) was highlighted by NCAA vault national championships in 2013 and 2014, showcasing her exceptional skill and dedication. Courville also captured SEC titles in the all-around and vault in both 2013 and 2015, and in the beam in 2013, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated gymnasts in LSU history. Her accolades extended beyond the competition arena, as she was named SEC Gymnast of the Year in 2013 and Central Region Gymnast of the Year in 2013 and 2014, and was a four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Courville’s induction recognizes her unparalleled achievements and her embodiment of the student-athlete ideal.

Ronald Dupree, a dynamic force on the LSU men’s basketball team from 2000 to 2003, also joins this esteemed class. Dupree was a pivotal player who helped lead the Tigers to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2000, demonstrating his versatility and impact on both ends of the court. His exceptional talent is underscored by the fact that he is one of only five LSU players to rank in the school’s career Top 10 in both scoring and rebounding, a distinction he shares with legendary figures such as Shaquille O’Neal, Rudy Macklin, Bob Pettit, and Tasmin Mitchell. Dupree’s contributions to the program were significant, and his induction acknowledges his outstanding career as a Tiger.

Cornelia Gayden, a dominant presence in LSU women’s basketball from 1992 to 1995, earns her place in the Hall of Fame as one of the program’s all-time greats. Gayden’s scoring prowess is evident in her No. 4 ranking on LSU’s career scoring list with 2,451 points. She also ranks No. 9 in career rebounds with 894 and No. 5 in all-time field goals made with 829. Known for her exceptional shooting ability, Gayden was a constant threat to opponents and a cornerstone of the Lady Tigers’ success during her era. Her induction celebrates her remarkable individual achievements and her lasting impact on the LSU women’s basketball program. Her jersey will also be retired, a testament to her legendary status.

Rounding out this exceptional class is Temeka Johnson, a four-time All-American point guard who orchestrated the LSU women’s basketball offense with unparalleled skill and leadership from 2002 to 2005. Johnson holds the distinction of being No. 1 on LSU’s all-time assists list with an astounding 945 assists, a mark that ranks No. 8 in NCAA Division I history. Her court vision and passing ability were transformative for the Lady Tigers, leading them to their first two Final Four appearances in 2004 and 2005. Johnson’s remarkable career included setting the LSU record for assists in a game with 17 against Georgia in 2005, and she posted four 15-assist games during her collegiate tenure. Recognized as the nation’s best point guard with the 2005 Nancy Lieberman Award, Johnson’s impact on LSU women’s basketball is immeasurable. Her jersey will also be retired, forever honoring her contributions to the program.

The induction ceremony for these six LSU greats is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 19, at the Manship Theatre in downtown Baton Rouge. This event will serve as a fitting tribute to their remarkable achievements and their enduring legacy at Louisiana State University. Their induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the profound impact they had on LSU athletics, inspiring future generations of Tigers to strive for excellence in all their endeavors. Their stories will forever be woven into the rich tapestry of LSU’s sporting history, celebrated by the Tiger faithful for years to come.