LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two national championship guards. A World Series champion. A quarterback who led a top-10 team. And a hometown hero who helped launch a women's basketball powerhouse.
The University of Louisville on Monday unveiled a star-powered 10-person Athletics Hall of Fame class for 2025, headlined by men's basketball legends Russ Smith and Peyton Siva, baseball slugger Adam Duvall, football standout Stefan LeFors, and women's basketball trailblazer Candyce Bingham Wheeler.
The group — spanning nine sports — will be inducted Saturday, Nov. 15 at the KFC Yum! Center Spirit Room and honored during U of L's Nov. 14 football game vs. Clemson.
"This year's Hall of Fame class is special because each of these Cardinals gave us moments we'll never forget,” Louisville athletics director Josh Heird said. “Whether it was a championship run, a game-winning play, or the pride of seeing one of our own shine on the biggest stage, they made us cheer, cry, and believe. Their passion and commitment embody what it means to wear the Louisville jersey."
The night will also mark a special recognition for longtime football staffer Paul Gering, honoring his behind-the-scenes contributions to the program. Gering died this past February at the age of 90.
The Class
Russ Smith (Men's Basketball, 2010–14)
The program's all-time steals leader and one of its most dynamic scorers, Smith led U of L to two Final Fours and the 2013 national championship. A consensus First-Team All-American, “Russdiculous” scored 1,908 points, ranks second in career free throws made and ninth in 3-pointers, and is one of only five players to have his number retired.
Peyton Siva (Men's Basketball, 2009–13)
The steadying force behind U of L's 2012 and 2013 Final Four runs, Siva captained the Cardinals to the national title and was twice named Big East Tournament MOP. He holds the program's single-season and career assist marks and ranks second all-time in steals. Siva is now a full-time assistant coach on Pat Kelsey's staff.
Adam Duvall (Baseball, 2009–10)
A Louisville native who helped put U of L baseball on the national map, Duvall was a two-time All-Big East infielder and captain of the program's first national seed team. He went on to a 10-plus year MLB career, winning World Series rings with the Giants (2014) and Braves (2021), and earning an All-Star nod and Gold Glove along the way.
Stefan LeFors (Football, 2000–04)
An elite dual-threat quarterback, LeFors led U of L to a Top 10 finish and Liberty Bowl win over Boise State in 2004. He still ranks in the program's top 10 for passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage — including a school-record 73.5% mark in his senior season. He's in his first season as head coach at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
Candyce Bingham Wheeler (Women's Basketball, 2007–09)
The catalyst of U of L's first Final Four and national runner-up finish in 2009, Bingham started every game in her two seasons after transferring home. She ranks in the program's all-time top 10 for rebound average, double-doubles and NCAA Tournament rebounding. She's now the head coach at Butler Traditional High School in Louisville after years as an assistant at Bellarmine and South Carolina Upstate.
Lola Arslanbekova (Volleyball, 2009–12)
One of the most decorated players in program history, Arslanbekova was a four-time All-American, two-time Big East MVP, and the face of Louisville's dominant run through the conference in the late 2000s.
Nikki Boltja (Lacrosse, 2011–14)
A program pioneer, Boltja was U of L's first First-Team All-American and helped guide the Cards to their first NCAA Tournament and conference title. She ranks second all-time in career goals and points.
Joao De Lucca (Men's Swimming, 2011–14)
A two-time NCAA champion in the 200 freestyle and three-time Olympian for Brazil, De Lucca was a 20-time All-American and 15-time conference champ who helped elevate U of L to national prominence in the pool.
Christine Exeter (Women's Soccer, 2010–13)
The program's first Big East Freshman of the Year and a two-time Big East Offensive Player of the Year, Exeter ranks third in career goals and points. She also represented Canada in the 2012 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Alyssa Voelmle (Field Hockey, 2011–14)
A cornerstone of Louisville's rise in field hockey, Voelmle was a First-Team All-American and the school's first First-Team All-ACC honoree. She led the Cards in scoring as a defender and helped beat No. 1 UNC in their first ACC season.
Tickets: The event will begin with a reception at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and the induction ceremony to follow. Tickets are $75 per person, or $750 for a table of 10, and may be purchased online by clicking this link. Additional information may be obtained via email at ronee@gocards.com or by calling 502-852-2015.
Copyright 2025 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.
