The USD Athletics Hall of Fame, which last welcomed inductees in 2019 with MLB All-Star and World Series Champion
Kris Bryant, will once again recognize individuals and teams whose contributions have made a lasting impact on Torero Athletics. The 2025 class includes:
- Bob Bartholomew (Men's Basketball, 1977-81): A key contributor during USD's transition from NCAA Division II to Division I, Bartholomew remains one of the program's all-time leaders, ranking in the top five for both career points and rebounds.
- Alex Ching (Men's Golf, 2008-12): A two-time WCC Player of the Year and four-time First Team All-WCC honoree, Ching recorded six career medalist finishes and played a central role in elevating the program's national profile. He helped propel USD to three consecutive NCAA Championship appearances from 2009 to 2011.
- Guillermo Jara (Men's Soccer, 1992-95): The program's career leader in goals, points, and assists, Jara was a four-time First Team All-WCC selection who helped guide USD to four NCAA postseason appearances and a 1992 national runner-up finish.
- Brian Matusz (Baseball, 2006-08): Matusz was a three-time All-American, the 2008 WCC Pitcher of the Year, and remains the Toreros' all-time leader in strikeouts (397). Selected No. 4 overall in the 2008 MLB Draft by the Baltimore Orioles, he went on to pitch eight seasons in the major leagues. Matusz passed away in 2024, and his induction honors both his athletic achievements and the impact he made on the USD community.
- Seamus McFadden (Men's Soccer Head Coach, 1980-2017): The first head coach in program history, McFadden led USD to 385 wins over 38 seasons. He guided the Toreros to nine WCC championships, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, and a national runner-up finish in 1992. He was named WCC Coach of the Year a record nine times.
- Katarina Valkyova (Women's Tennis, 1999-2000): A two-time NCAA All-American, Valkyova reached the quarterfinals of the 1999 NCAA Singles Championship before being defeated by teammate and eventual NCAA champion Zuzana Lesenarova (2009 Hall of Fame inductee). She also advanced to the NCAA Doubles semifinals with Lesenarova and finished the season ranked No. 9 nationally in doubles.
- Jennifer Wrightson-Baklenko (Volleyball, 1992-94): The 1994 WCC Player of the Year, Wrightson-Baklenko was a three-time All-WCC First Team selection and helped lead the Toreros to both NCAA and NIVC postseason appearances.
- 1992 Men's Soccer Team: A defining group in USD's rise on the national stage, the 1992 team reached the NCAA Championship final and captured the WCC title.
"This class reflects the best of USD Athletics — championship-level performance, academic excellence, and the kind of integrity and leadership that have helped shape the identity of our department," said Kimya Massey, USD Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Athletics.
"Bringing back the Hall of Fame is an important step in honoring the incredible history of our Toreros and telling the stories of those who helped build a strong foundation for who we are today. This group represents the tradition of success that spans across all of our programs, and their accomplishments continue to elevate the standard for what it means to compete, lead, and represent USD. I'm also incredibly grateful to our Hall of Fame Committee for their thoughtful and thorough selection process."
First established in 1994, the Chet & Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame honors former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and teams who have demonstrated athletic excellence, contributed meaningfully to the university, and upheld the values of USD. Eligibility requires a minimum five-year waiting period following the conclusion of a student-athlete's playing career or the completion of a coach or staff member's service.
The 2025 Hall of Fame class was selected by a nine-member committee composed of former coaches, administrators, staff members, and student-athletes — each bringing unique insight and perspective into USD's storied athletics tradition.
The
2025 Chet & Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place on
Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the
University of San Diego (UC Forums). Seating for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is limited, and all attendees must register in advance to secure their place. Reserve your spot by
clicking here.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
- Location: UC Forums, University of San Diego
- Doors Open: 8:30 a.m.
- Program Begins: 10:00 a.m.
- Highlights: Guests will enjoy a catered brunch with reserved seating, remarks from USD Athletics leadership and the 2025 inductees, and an interactive panel featuring insights from the honorees.
For more information on the Chet & Marguerite Pagni Family Athletic Hall of Fame, or to submit a nomination for future classes, please visit
www.usdtoreros.com.
