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Mark Lenzi

Mark Lenzi grew up in Fredericksburg, Virginia attending Stafford High School. Inspired by Greg Louganis’ performance at the 1984 Summer Olympics, Lenzi took up diving at the age of 16. From there he would be offered a scholarship to compete…

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Jeff Rouse

Jeff Rouse, born in Petersburg, VA, started swimming at the age of 5 and set national age group records at age 11. He was named Swimming World’s age group swimmer of the month in 1983 and named Rookie of the…

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Melissa Belote Ripley

Ripley was born on October 16, 1956 in Washington D.C. and grew up in Springfield, Virginia.  She has been called one of America’s greatest swimmers.  Ripley first appeared on the national swimming scene at the age of 12 when she…

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Dr. M. Thompson Mann

Thompson Mann was born in Hickory, Virginia in 1943. He was inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame at Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 1984, for his career feats in winning a Gold Medal at the 1964 Olympics in Tokyo…

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Shelley Mann

Shelley Mann was known as one of the glamour girls of sports in the United States in the 1950’s.  Although born in Long Island, New York and a graduate of Cornell University, Mann’s parents were native Virginians and she returned…

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Whitney Hedgepeth

Whitney Hedgepeth, born and raised in Colonial Heights, VA, was an All-American swimmer at the University of Texas. She is a 27-time All-American and 3-time NCAA Champion. Hedgepeth is a seven time USA Swimming National Champion in seven different events…

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Tom Dolan

Tom Dolan, originally from Arlington, began his swimming career at age five. Despite struggling with exercise-induced asthma, Dolan aggressively pursued the sport in high school, which led him to the University of Michigan, where he won nine national championships and…

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Ray Bussard

Raymond A. Bussard is a native of Highland County, VA who lettered in basketball, football and track at Bridgewater College in the 1950’s.  He drew national attention for his versatility in track.  At the 1951 National AAU meet, he was…

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Call for Nominations: Honor Our Legends!

Do you know an outstanding athlete, coach, or contributor who has left an indelible mark on sports history in Virginia? Now is your chance to ensure their legacy is celebrated!

The nomination window is open until September 1, for the upcoming Hall of Fame Induction Class of 2027!

Our selection process is built on integrity, prestige, and a commitment to honoring athletic excellence.

Your submission is the vital first step in this journey!