UAB Announces 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame Class
The five-member class features former stars from basketball, volleyball, football, and tennis.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Awards
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UAB has officially named five athletes to its 2026 Athletic Hall of Fame class. The university will honor the group during an induction ceremony in Birmingham this November.
Why it matters
The induction recognizes the most decorated athletes in university history for their contributions to the program across multiple decades. It serves to preserve the legacy of these players for future generations of students and supporters.
The 2026 class honors five standout athletes including the 2007 Conference USA Player of the Year and a two-time tennis All-American. These selections represent a total pool of decades of varsity competition at UAB.
The players
Aaron Johnson
He is a former UAB basketball player who was named the 2011 Conference USA Player of the Year.
Ivana Bozic
She is a standout volleyball player who led the university to its first NCAA tournament appearance.
Rodregis Brooks
He is a former football player who achieved second-team All-American status as a return specialist.
Carmen Guzman
She is a decorated basketball player who earned the Conference USA Player of the Year award in 2007.
Paul Rosner
He is a former tennis athlete who earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-American honors.
The details
The incoming group includes Aaron Johnson, Ivana Bozic, Rodregis Brooks, Carmen Guzman, and Paul Rosner. Each member was selected for their specific athletic achievements, such as Johnson’s 2011 conference player of the year honor and Bozic’s leadership in securing the school's first NCAA volleyball tournament berth.
Timeline
Paul Rosner served as an All-American between 1993 and 1995.
Rodregis Brooks earned second-team All-American honors in 1999.
Ivana Bozic helped lead the volleyball team to the 2006 NCAA tournament.
Aaron Johnson saw his No. 1 jersey retired by UAB in 2020.
The formal induction ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. on Nov. 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
The UAB Athletic Hall of Fame serves as a permanent record of the school's most significant athletic achievements over several decades. Each induction ceremony updates the historical legacy of the university's sports programs by honoring a new cohort of standout alumni.
The event serves as a focal point for the Birmingham sports community to gather and celebrate local athletic history. Residents and supporters interested in university athletics can expect this event to draw alumni and sports enthusiasts to The Florentine in November.
The takeaway
Honoring historical athletic achievement helps bridge the gap between past and present university successes. Recognizing these athletes ensures their contributions remain a tangible part of the institution's identity.
What happens next
The formal induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at The Florentine in Birmingham.
Further reading
Learn more about local honors and community recognition on the Birmingham Awards page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Al.
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