A group of eight sports figures will be inducted into the Florida Sports Hall of Fame as part of its 2024 class. The inductees represent a range of sports, including basketball, football, soccer, golf, track and field coaching, cheerleading coaching, and athletic training. The induction ceremony is scheduled for October 16 at the Kia Center in Orlando.
Ginger Kane, President and Chair of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame board, said: “We are so excited to be able to recognize such a talented and accomplished class of figures who have all contributed tremendously to their respective sports. Their contributions to their sports, their communities and impacts they’ve had on a worldwide stage make this a remarkable class. We are honored to welcome them as the newest members of the Florida Sports Hall of Fame.”
The announcement was made during a reception at the Florida Sports Hall of Fame Museum in Port St. Lucie.
The 2024 inductees include:
– William Floyd: A former running back from Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg who helped lead his team to an undefeated season in 1988 before joining Florida State University’s football program and contributing to its first national championship in 1993. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1994 and played a key role in their Super Bowl XXIX victory.
– Linda Gooch: Currently serving her 39th season as coach for UCF’s cheerleading team and spirit program. Under her leadership since 1994, UCF has won four national championships and achieved numerous top finishes nationally.
– Ashlyn Harris: A Cocoa Beach native who played for Satellite High School before becoming part of two FIFA Women’s World Cup-winning teams with the United States (2015, 2019). She also starred for UNC Tarheels’ NCAA championship teams and played professionally with Orlando Pride.
– Mike Holloway: Head coach for University of Florida men’s track and field since 2003 (and both men’s/women’s since 2008), Holloway has led his teams to multiple NCAA titles—14 overall—and coached athletes who have won Olympic medals.
– Scott Hutchinson: Former defensive lineman at University of Florida who went on to play professionally with NFL teams including Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as USFL’s Orlando Renegades.
– Tracy McGrady: Seven-time NBA All-Star born in Bartow who began his career straight out of high school with Toronto Raptors before starring for Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.
– John Christopher (Chris) Patrick: Athletic trainer at University of Florida from 1970–2018 who expanded healthcare services across university athletics programs. He worked alongside Dr. Robert Cade on Gatorade product development; an SEC award is named after him recognizing outstanding athletic trainers.
– Jan Stephenson: Australian-born golfer residing over two decades in Florida; she joined LPGA Tour after winning Australian Ladies Open in 1973, won three major championships among her LPGA victories, helped found LPGA Legends Tour for senior players, designed golf courses locally, and runs a foundation supporting disabled veterans through golf opportunities.
