JACKSON, TN – The Union University Sports Hall of Fame is set to induct six new members and one team as a part of the 2025-26 class. Gunnar Aldeberth (tennis), Larry Alvey (basketball), Ed Walton (cross country/track), Pete Williams (baseball), Joe Phiri (soccer), Melissa Hayden (volleyball), and the 2014 Women’s Cross Country team will be recognized at this year’s banquet.
The banquet will be held Friday, January 23, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. in the Carl Grant Events Center on the campus of Union University. Tickets to the event are $30 and can be purchased online at www.uuathletics.com/hofpay, and also by coming by or calling the Department of Athletics office (731-661-5325) during regular business hours.
2025-26 HOF Class
Gunnar Aldeberth (early 1990’s) – He was the number one tennis player at Union throughout his four years, with multiple NAIA National and District tournament appearances. Adalberth was also awarded the highest honor a senior receives at Union, the Elizabeth Tigrett Medal, as well as the Fred Delay Memorial Award, given to the athlete with the highest academic merit. Though his days with the tennis team are fondly recalled, Adalberth’s most significant memory of Union is an eternal one – it was on Union’s campus that he met Christ.
Larry Alvey (1962-66) – He was co-captain, outstanding student award, second all-time leading rebounder at Union (825), sixth most rebounds in a game (27), all-time leading rebounder in a season (376), and third most double-doubles (28). Alvey scored 1,207 points (top 30 all-time), led Union to VSAC title in 1965, and was selected All-VSAC Tournament. He was also invited to White House by President Reagan, and had tea with Queen Elizabeth in 1994.
Ed Walton (1961-64) – He earned eight varsity letters, team captain for both track and cross country, and led the team to four conference titles in track and XC. Walton won two VSAC individual XC titles, one third place, and VSAC 1-mile and 2-mile individual titles. Four of his teammates are already in the hall of fame.
Pete Williams (1985-88) – He holds record for home runs in a game (3), sixth for home runs in a season (13), holds record for runs scored in a season 982), second in runs score in a career (216), and second in stolen bases season (49), second in stolen bases career (91).
Joe Phiri (1999-2002) – He was named the NCCAA Player of the Year and led the team to NCCAA National Title. Phiri was a three-time all-region NCCAA, twice named TranSouth All-Conference, and holds most scoring records at Union, including 65 goals in a career.
Melissa Hayden (1998-2000) – She was an NAIA all-region, two-time all-conference, two-time NCCAA All-America, and twice named NCCAA all-region. Hayden is second all-time in aces in a match (10), holds the record for aces in a season (99), first in assists in a match (75), assists in a season (1970), and assists in a career (3748). Her sister is also in our hall of fame.
The 2014 Union Women’s Cross Country Team was the first team to win a GSC Title for Union, winning the 2014 GSC Cross Country Title. They were third in the South Region, and advanced to Union’s first NCAA National tournament since Union rejoined the NCAA in 2014-15. The team finished top three in six of the eight races that year, including four first-place finishes.
For more information on the Union Sports Hall of Fame, previous classes, or to nominate, visit www.uuathletics.com/halloffame.
