ST. PAUL, Minn. - The University of Northwestern Athletic Department is proud to announce its 2026 Hall of Fame inductees. Four former Eagle athletes and one team make up the class of 2026, covering four different sports and administration. The inductees were selected not only because of their contributions to Northwestern Athletics, but also their continued commitment to carrying out the Christian mission that UNW models itself after.
 
The class of 2026 will officially be inducted into the Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame at the inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony on Saturday, October 10^th at 10:00 AM in the Nazareth Great Room. This is the first year the Athletic Hall of Fame festivities will be separate from the rest of the Eagle Awards on Homecoming weekend. The inductees will also be recognized at halftime of Saturday's 1:00 PM football game against Minnesota Morris. Congratulations once again to the new members of the UNW Athletics Hall of Fame

Tickets for the event, which will begin with a 9:30 AM brunch, can be purchased here. The deadline to RSVP is September 30th.

Northwestern Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026:

Katie DeWitt '11 | Women's Basketball

Katie DeWitt put together one of the most dominant and well-rounded careers in Northwestern Women's Basketball history. A 1,000-point scorer and 500-rebound performer, she ranks fourth all-time in total points and holds the program record for career scoring average at 20.2 points per game across 81 games—an incredible reflection of her consistency and ability to impact every time she stepped on the court. Her influence showed up across every facet of the game, finishing among the program's top performers in rebounds, shooting, and assists, while also setting the standard defensively as the program's all-time leader in defensive rebounds.

Her excellence was recognized on a national level, earning NCCAA First Team All-American honors in 2010, Second Team honors in 2011, and NCAA Division III All-American Honorable Mention in 2011. Whether it was her record-setting single-season performances, standout individual games, or her place on the UMAC All-Decade Team, Katie consistently delivered at a high level. Combined with her versatility and competitive presence, she left a lasting mark on the program. Today, God is teaching Katie to slow down, be present, and trust Him one step at a time rather than trying to plan every detail of the future. After years of serving in faith-based institutions, she remains grateful for the opportunity to invest in students, families, and communities where Christ-centered relationships can flourish.

CJ Lloyd '18 | Men's Tennis

CJ Lloyd was a cornerstone of Northwestern Men's Tennis during his four-year career, taking on the challenge of playing both No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles in every match—a role that speaks volumes about his talent, competitiveness, and trust from his coaches and teammates. Even while consistently facing top competition, he built an impressive résumé that includes ranking second all-time in No. 1 singles wins, first in No. 1 doubles wins, and sixth in career combined wins. His single-season performances also rank among the program's best, and he earned NCCAA Second Team All-American honors twice, in 2016 and 2018.

Beyond the accolades, CJ's impact on the program and community runs deep. By holding down the top spots in the lineup, he created opportunities for his teammates to succeed and helped elevate the entire team, culminating in the program's only NCAA Division III National Tournament appearance in 2018, his senior season. His connection to Northwestern didn't end after graduation—he returned for his MBA, served as an assistant coach, and continues to show up in support of the program. Rooted in his faith and the relationships he built during his time at UNW, CJ's legacy is defined not just by wins, but by the lasting investment he's made in the people and community around him.

Dr. Wally Parish | Administration

Dr. Wally M. Parish has dedicated 36 years to University of Northwestern–St. Paul as a professor of Kinesiology and Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR), investing deeply in the lives of students and the mission of the University. As FAR, he served as a bridge between the academic and athletic sides of campus, while also chipping in for many years with game operations assistance. Few, if any, love UNW Athletics more than Wally Parish, who can often be found at road events and even with a purple goatee from time to time. Among his career highlights, Wally founded the Pre-Therapy program for kinesiology majors, helping prepare students to pursue careers in physical therapy and other health professions. He was also twice honored as Teacher of the Year, reflecting the lasting impact of his teaching and mentorship. For Wally, his years at Northwestern are best summed up as a blessing from God and an opportunity to serve alongside close friends who share a common mission. Year after year, the encouragement and gratitude of students have renewed his passion and reminded him that the work being done at Northwestern can make a difference in homes and communities around the world.

Wally is entering a new season of life as a widower and preparing for retirement. Through this season, God has taught him to depend more fully on His strength and guidance. His prayer life has deepened, and his heart has grown more compassionate toward others who are struggling. As he looks toward retirement, Wally trusts that God is preparing him for what comes next and remains grateful for the many ways He has allowed him to serve. He attends North Church in Mounds View. Wally is grateful for his late wife, Darlene, and for his children, Effie and Collin, and daughter-in-law Kristy.

Michael Vowels '18 | Men's Golf

Michael Vowels distinguished himself as one of the most consistent and accomplished golfers in University of Northwestern history, pairing individual excellence with a clear impact on team success. He finished tied for first in program history for lowest single-season scoring average and ranks third all-time in career scoring average—an impressive reflection of both his talent and sustained consistency. He also ranks among the program leaders in rounds played, while contributing to several of the team's lowest single-round and single-season marks, namely the second (2016) and third (2017)-lowest single-season team averages.

Beyond the numbers, Michael's impact is seen in how he helped elevate the program during his time on the course. His standout senior season, which included a 75.0 scoring average along with all-conference recognition and a championship, highlighted both his competitive drive and leadership. Through the faithful witness of teammates, friends, and mentors, Michael came to faith during his junior year—a life-changing decision that transformed the direction and purpose of his life. Today, Michael is learning to faithfully steward every season God provides.

2016 Volleyball Team

The 2016 University of Northwestern Volleyball team authored one of the most memorable seasons in school history (regardless of sport), establishing a new standard of excellence both on and off the court. The Eagles finished with a program-record 34 victories, captured both the UMAC Regular Season and Tournament Championships, earned the opportunity to host an NCAA Regional for the first time in school history (any sport), and advanced to the NCAA Division III Final Four—the first Northwestern program to do so, and only matched by the 2022 Volleyball team. Along the way, the team defeated defending national champion and No. 1-ranked Cal Lutheran, and outlasted Eastern University in the Elite Eight in a thrilling, five-set match to earn a place among the nation's final four teams. Led by AVCA Division III Player of the Year Lindsey Peterson and AVCA Coach of the Year Beth Wilmeth, the Eagles demonstrated remarkable talent, resilience, and unwavering trust in one another.

Yet the legacy of the 2016 team extends far beyond wins and championships. From the beginning of the season, the players committed themselves to using any success God might provide as a platform to honor Christ. That commitment was powerfully displayed in the closing moments of their Final Four match, when an "honor call" (a program staple where an Eagle player alerts the officials that she tipped a ball previously ruled an attack error) by Abby Nueberger reflected the team's character and integrity even in the face of defeat. As assistant coach Jacki Smith later reflected, "That's why we were here. For that moment." A decade later, the 2016 Eagles continue to be remembered not only for breaking barriers on the national stage, but also for demonstrating what it means to pursue excellence while remaining wholly committed to reflecting Christ regardless of the outcome.

A special thanks to UNW Alumni Relations for contributing to this story.