Columbia, August 5, 2025

News Summary

The University of South Carolina has announced the induction of six exceptional former student-athletes into its Athletics Hall of Fame. The ceremony is set to honor Natasha Hastings, Brandon Hulko, Paul Jubb, Akram Mahmoud, Mollie Patton, and A’ja Wilson for their outstanding contributions to their respective sports. The event will take place on October 23, with further details to be revealed. These inductees exemplify excellence in athletics and have significantly enhanced the university’s sports reputation throughout their careers.

Columbia

Six former standout student-athletes from the University of South Carolina have been elected to the prestigious University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame. The announcement was made recently, confirming the induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, October 23, 2025.

This year’s inductees represent a diverse array of sports and accomplishments:

• Natasha Hastings – Women’s Track (2005-2007)
• Brandon Hulko – Men’s Diving (1999-2002)
• Paul Jubb – Men’s Tennis (2016-2020)
• Akram Mahmoud – Men’s Swimming (2014-2018)
• Mollie Patton – Women’s Soccer (2006-2010)
• A’ja Wilson – Women’s Basketball (2014-2018)

The 2025 Hall of Fame class will be honored during the game against Alabama on Saturday, October 25. Further details about the induction ceremony are expected to be announced later.

Inductee Highlights

Natasha Hastings

Natasha Hastings was a 10-time All-American and a three-time NCAA Champion in the 400m. She claimed seven SEC Championships and set the Gamecock Indoor 400m record at a time of 50.80 seconds. Hastings is also known for her Olympic contributions as a three-time Olympian and two-time Olympic gold medalist.

Brandon Hulko

Brandon Hulko earned acclaim as a three-time All-American from 2000 to 2002 in diving. A four-year letterman, he was recognized as South Carolina’s Male Athlete of the Year in 2002 and secured three SEC bronze medals during his collegiate career.

Paul Jubb

Paul Jubb made history as the first player in program history to win the 2019 NCAA Singles National Championship. He received All-SEC honors for his performance and was the recipient of the National Arthur Ashe Jr. Leadership & Scholarship Award in 2020.

Akram Mahmoud

Akram Mahmoud is celebrated for his achievements in swimming, where he was a 10-time All-American and secured three SEC Championships in the 1650 freestyle. He also swam for Egypt during the 2016 Olympics, showcasing his international talent.

Mollie Patton

Mollie Patton distinguished herself in women’s soccer, ranking as a Second Team All-Region and a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American in 2009. She holds a program record for shutouts in a single season (15) and notable career records in goals against average and saves.

A’ja Wilson

A’ja Wilson is recognized as an influential player in women’s basketball. She was the unanimous National Player of the Year in 2018 and led South Carolina to its first National Championship in 2017. With a record of multiple school achievements in points, blocks, and rebounds, she was also the No. 1 overall draft pick in the WNBA in 2018 and has earned Olympic gold medals in both the 2020 and 2024 games.

Importance of the Hall of Fame

The University of South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame serves to recognize and honor the outstanding achievements and contributions of former student-athletes who have elevated the university’s athletic reputation. This year’s class exemplifies the high standards of excellence that the university values in its athletics programs.

FAQs

Key Features of the Inductees

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

South Carolina Women’s Soccer Team Achieves Academic Excellence
Lake Mary Seeks Second Consecutive World Series Title
Columbia Junior League Softball Team Competes in National Championship
Carlos Cortes Joins Major Leagues with Oakland Athletics
Jack Armstrong Invited to HSSR Media Day
South Carolina Coach and Player Nominated for Good Works Team
Dylan Targgart Named First Team Academic All-American
Savannah Noll’s Transition to USC Upstate Soccer
Louise Rydqvist Earns Academic All-America Honors
Precious Bross Returns to South Carolina Gamecocks Roster

Additional Resources

• Gamecocks Online
• Greenville Online
• WIS TV
• Fox Carolina
• Post and Courier
• Wikipedia: University of South Carolina
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sports
• Google Search: South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
• Google Scholar: South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame
• Google News: South Carolina Athletics Hall of Fame

Author: STAFF HERE IRMO

The IRMO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIrmo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Irmo, Lexington and Richland Counties, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Irmo Okra Strut Festival, Harbison Community Events, and local sports tournaments at the Palmetto Health Credit Union Foundation Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission and the Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center, plus leading businesses in retail and healthcare that power the local economy such as Village at Sandhill and Lexington Medical Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.