Hilltopper Athletics hosted the WKU Athletic Hall of Fame ceremony Saturday, inducting three campus legends into the WKU Hall of Fame. 

Volleyball Head Coach Travis Hudson, former women’s basketball player Beth Lane and former football player Mel Mitchell were the individual members of the 33rd Hall of Fame class. The 1974 NCAA runner-up Cross Country team was recognized “as a member of the inaugural class of WKU Athletic Hall of Fame Teams,” a press release from WKU Athletics stated. 

“If you’re in the Hall of Fame, you’re the best of the very best,” Athletic Director Todd Stewart said at the ceremony. 

Hudson became the first active coach to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He is in his 30th season leading the volleyball program. In his time has amassed 33 conference championships and 16 NCAA Tournament appearances, according to the press release from WKU Athletics. 

During his speech, Hudson said winning has “never been the reason” why he coaches and said he would be “crushed” if that is all people remembered him by. 

“What gets me out of bed every day, are those young girls sitting over there,” Hudson said, pointing to members of the volleyball team. “If I can do something to them like all the people on this campus were to me… then I’ll be a Hall of Famer in the only way being a Hall of Famer has ever mattered to me.”

During the ceremony, Stewart announced Hudson will receive a life-size statue in the fall of 2025. 

Lane was inducted for her accomplishments as a member of WKU Women’s Basketball. From 1976-1979, Lane tallied 1,446 points, a mark that is 18th all-time in the program according to the press release. In 1979, Lane was named WKU Female Athlete of the Year.

“I think it’s nice to represent some of the people that began the program for women’s basketball,” Lane said about her induction.

Mel Mitchell was recognized for his feats as a WKU Football defensive back. Mitchell spent 1999-2001 on the Hill and started every game he played. In 2002, Mitchell was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft and spent five years in the league. 

“It’s surreal… it’s a blessing in disguise. (I) didn’t see it coming,” Mitchell said. “(I’m) very grateful and humbled to be put into this category of a group of great people.”

With the trio of Hudson, Lane and Mitchell, the Hall of Fame now hosts 173 inductees, dating back to the first class in 1991. 

Sports Editor Jake McMahon can be reached at [email protected]