Courtesy: Texas A&M Athletics
BRYAN-COLLEGE STATION – The Texas A&M Lettermen’s Association announced Friday that the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2024 will feature eight Aggie legends with Kay Don and Duke Butler III earning Hall of Honor and Lifetime Achievement recognition, respectively.
The class consists of Cammile Adams ’14 (Women’s Swimming & Diving), Alex Caruso ’16 (Men’s Basketball), Laurie Corbelli (Volleyball), Amy Berend Hidalgo ’08 (Soccer), Brenda Goldsmith Hocott ’78 (Women’s Golf), Breeja Larson ’14 (Women’s Swimming & Diving), Seth McKinney ’01 (Football) and Ross Stripling ’12 (Baseball).”Congratulations to this year’s Hall of Fame class as well as our Hall of Honor and Lifetime Achievement recipients,” Director of Athletics Trev Alberts said. “The history of Texas A&M Athletics is built upon the accomplishments of great Aggies, both on and off the field of play, that truly captured the Spirit of the 12th Man. These 10 will forever have their place in Texas A&M history and we can’t wait to celebrate them later this year.”The Hall of Honor is reserved for individuals who have gone above and beyond in contributions and support of the athletic programs at Texas A&M. The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes lettermen, who after graduation, have gone on to gain prominence through his or her efforts in industry, commerce, technology, athletics, the professions or other worthy endeavors.
The 46th Burgess Banquet will be held at the Ford Hall of Champions at Kyle Field on Friday, Sept. 6. For more information on the Burgess Banquet, please visit aggielettermen.org/burgessbanquet.2024 Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame Class Bios
Cammile Adams ’14 – Women’s Swimming & Diving
Cammile Adams is a two-time U.S. Olympian who enjoyed a stellar four-year swimming career in Aggieland. A 10-time All-American, Adams won a pair of individual NCAA Championships and earned six conference titles, including two 200 fly crowns in both the Big 12 and the SEC. Adams is one of just two Aggies to ever repeat as an NCAA Champion after posting the fastest time in the 200 fly in 2013 and 2014. She remains the school record holder in the 200 fly with a time of 1:52.19 set at the 2014 SEC Championships. The Cypress, Texas, native earned Big 12 titles in the 500 free in 2011 and 400 IM in 2012. Midway through her collegiate career, Adams represented the United States at the 2012 Olympics in London, finishing fifth in the 200 fly. Four years later, she served as a captain for Team USA on the women’s side at the Rio 2016 Olympics. Internationally, she also earned gold at the 2014 Pan Pacific Championships and silver at the 2015 World Championships in the 200 fly. Adams helped the Aggies win a team Big 12 title in 2012 along with finishing as conference runner-up her other three seasons. She also led a contingent that recorded program best fourth-place finishes at the NCAA Championships in 2013 and 2014. After her competitive career, Adams continues to spread the joy of her sport, owning six SafeSplash Swim Schools around the Houston area.Adams was inducted into the Texas Swimming & Diving Hall of Fame in October 2021.
Alex Caruso ’16 – Men’s Basketball
One of the greatest playmakers in Texas A&M men’s basketball history, Alex Caruso led the Aggies to one of the winningest four-year spans in school history, including a school-record 28 victories, the 2016 SEC Regular Season Championship and a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2015-16.
The College Station native’s collegiate career from 2013 to 2016 was highlighted by his recognition as the 2016 SEC Defensive Player of the Year by CBSSports.com and his inclusion in the SEC All-Defensive Team by the coaches the same year. Additionally, he was honored as the 2016 Texas A&M Male Athlete of the Year at the Building Champions Awards. Throughout his time at Texas A&M, the two-time All-SEC selection etched his name in the record books. He became the only player in SEC history to accumulate over 1,000 points, 600 assists, 250 steals, and 500 rebounds. His versatility and consistency earned him two All-SEC team selections.Caruso’s impact on the court is further evidenced by his numerous school records. He holds the career records for steals (276), steals in conference games (133), assists (649), and assists in conference games (335). His durability and reliability are reflected in his records for games played in conference (72) and his ranking third in overall games played (137) and games started (120). His contributions also place him fourth in minutes played (3,933) and third in minutes played in conference (2,142). Caruso’s all-around performance is highlighted by his 513 career rebounds and 1,090 career points, ranking him 27th and 31st, respectively.In individual single-season records, Caruso is noted for his high assists and steals counts. He recorded 185 assists in the 2015-16 season, placing him fourth, along with other top-10 seasonal performances in assists and steals. His leadership was evident from his freshman year, setting the record for steals with 61, and continued through his junior and senior years with significant records in assists, steals, and minutes played. Transitioning to his professional career, Caruso has continued to shine in the NBA. He was a crucial part of the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2020 NBA Championship team. His defensive skills earned him a spot on the 2022-23 NBA All-Defensive Team, and he received the 2023-24 NBA Hustle Award. Over his seven-year NBA career, he has played for the Los Angeles Lakers (2017-21) and Chicago Bulls (2021-24), and he was recently traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Laurie Corbelli – Volleyball
A 25-year head coach for the Aggies, Laurie Corbelli is synonymous with Texas A&M volleyball. Corbelli served as the Aggies’ skipper from 1993-2017, amassing 519 wins, the most in school history. Under Corbelli’s leadership, the Aggies boasted 14 All-Americans, as well as 24 All-America honorable mentions. Held in high esteem among peers, she was named AVCA Region Coach of the Year on three occasions as well as being named conference coach of the year six times. Corbelli was inducted into the American Volleyball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2019. She served as a collegiate head coach for 32 years with prior stints at San Francisco and Santa Clara to register a 619-358 career record, including 519-252 at Texas A&M.In the postseason, Corbelli led the Aggies to the Elite Eight in 1999 and 2001. The Aggies reached the Sweet Sixteen six times during her tenure. She won an SEC crown in 2015 and an SEC West title in 2012. In addition to her duties at Texas A&M, Corbelli earned the honor of serving as USA Volleyball head coach for the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team in 2015 and ’16. She guided the 2016 team to a silver medal at the NORECA Women’s U20 Continental Championship. As a player, Corbelli was a two-time AIAW Division II national champion at Texas Lutheran and won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Amy Berend Hidalgo ’08 – Soccer
Amy Berend Hidalgo spent four seasons as a game-changing midfielder during a span the Aggies claimed six Big 12 titles.With Hidalgo roving the middle of the pitch, Texas A&M won all four Big 12 regular season crowns from 2004-07. The Maroon & White also won Big 12 Tournament championships in 2004 and 2006. She was recognized on the 2004 Big 12 All-Newcomer Team, as well as being named All-Big 12 First Team in as a junior and senior. Her performances at the 2004 and 2007 Big 12 Championships earned her all-tournament team status.
Hidalgo received national acclaim as a Soccer Buzz All-America selection in 2006 (fourth team) and 2007 (third team). She was a three-time All-Central Region selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, including being named to the first team in 2007. Appearing in 96 matches during her career, Hidalgo racked up 11 goals, 16 assists and 38 points. Her stellar play led the Aggies to a 71-20-5 (.766) mark during her career. Texas A&M made the NCAA Championship all four seasons, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen in 2005 and the Elite Eight in 2006. Hidalgo has enjoyed success after her playing days, owning and operating Bridal Boutique for over 15 years.
Brenda Goldsmith Hocott ’78 – Women’s Golf
Brenda Goldsmith Hocott was a trailblazer for women’s athletics at Texas A&M where she enjoyed an illustrious four-year career with the Aggie women’s golf program. In 1973, Goldsmith Hocott was the No. 1 junior golfer in the United States and would become the first female student-athlete awarded an athletic scholarship at Texas A&M. In her first season in the Maroon & White, she went on to finish 10th at nationals and fifth her sophomore year to become the first woman to ever compete at a national championship for the Aggies. The San Antonio native would go on to qualify for the AIAW National Championships every year of her collegiate career and was the 1976 TAIAW State Champion. To this day, Goldsmith Hocott still stands within the top five of career tournaments won (4) and single-season tournaments won (2 – 1975-76). After her time at A&M concluded, she went on to continue her impressive amateur career highlighted by numerous tournament victories, including a spot on the winning team at the 1978 and 1980 United States Curtis Cups. As a professional on the LPGA tour from 1980-84, Goldsmith Hocott played in over 80 events.In 2004, she received the “Betty Dodd Award” for outstanding commitment and support of junior golf from Golf San Antonion and the San Antonio Junior Golf Association and was named an SEC Trailblazer in 2022.
Breeja Larson ’14 – Women’s Swimming & Diving
Breeja Larson is an Olympic gold medalist who achieved overwhelming success during her four-year swimming career at Texas A&M. Larson earned Olympic gold with Team USA in the 400-medley relay at the 2012 London Games, swimming the breaststroke leg in prelims. She also finished sixth in the 100 breast at the London Games. As a collegian, Larson reigned supreme in the 100 breast, claiming the NCAA title from 2012-14. All three efforts resulted in new meet records. She also claimed second in the event as a freshman in 2011. Finishing in the top-three at NCAA Championships eight times, she also placed second in the 200 breast in 2011 and 2014, along with third-place finishes in the same event in 2012 and 2013. The Mesa, Arizona, native won 11 individual conference titles, including five in the Big 12 and six in the SEC. Her success in both conferences extended to being named SEC Swimmer of the Year in 2013 and both Big 12 Swimmer of the Year and Big 12 Championships Swimmer of the Meet in 2012. As a freshman, she was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. As a sophomore, Larson won the 100 breast, 200 breast, 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay to lead Texas A&M to the Big 12 team title. She was back-to-back SEC champion in three events (100 breast, 200 breast and 400 medley relay) at the SEC Championships in 2013 and 2014. Larson helped the Aggies win a team Big 12 title in 2012 along with finishing as conference runner-up her other three seasons. She also led a contingent that recorded then-program-best fourth-place finishes at NCAA Championships in 2013 and 2014. During her A&M career, Larson owned school records in the 100 breast, 200 breast, 200 medley relay and 400 medley relay. She still holds the Aggie record in the 100 breast at 57:23.
Seth McKinney ’01 – Football
A two-time All-American center, Seth McKinney was a dominant force on the offensive line during his time in Aggieland. McKinney started 50 consecutive games, the second-longest stretch in school annals, during his career from 1998-2001. At the time he was just the fifth NCAA Division I-A center to start all four years. As part of the 2001 senior class, McKinney earned two Big 12 South Division crowns as well as winning the 1998 Big 12 Championship with a thrilling double-overtime victory over top-ranked Kansas State. He played in four bowl games and compiled an overall record of 34-16, including a 21-3 mark at Kyle Field. As a captain in 2001, McKinney was an Associated Press All-America Second Team selection and a finalist for the Dave Rimington Trophy awarded to the nation’s top center. He was an AP All-America Third Team choice in 2000. McKinney earned All-Big 12 First Team recognition as a junior and senior. The Big 12 named McKinney to its Football 10th Anniversary Team in 2006. Also a standout in the classroom, McKinney was named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America First Team his senior season. A third-round draft pick of the Miami Dolphins in the 2002 draft, McKinney enjoyed a seven-year NFL playing career. He played 93 games, including 46 starts, with the Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills.
Ross Stripling ’12 – Baseball
Ross Stripling crafted a spectacular four-year career in Aggieland as part of one of the most feared pitching staffs in the nation. The two-time All-American was the NCAA wins leader in a 2011 run to the College World Series. He helped Ol’ Sarge’s charges win back-to-back Big 12 Tournament titles in 2010 and ’11 as well as the league regular-season crown in 2011.The Southlake, Texas, product weaved a career record of 31-11 with a 3.13 ERA and 340 strikeouts in 353.2 innings. Stripling other stellar numbers included a 1.08 WHIP, 4.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio, nine complete games and two shutouts. Stripling’s most memorable performance came May 12, 2012, with a no-hitter in a 1-0 victory over San Diego State.
His career tallies for innings pitched (2nd), wins (3rd) and strikeouts (3rd) rank in the top five in Texas A&M annals. The 31 victories still rank fifth on the Big 12 career list and the 340 strikeouts check in at seventh place. Stripling was a two-time All-Big 12 First Team honoree. His five career Big 12 Pitcher of the Week honors ranks second in league history. During the Aggies’ 2011 CWS run, Stripling was 14-2 with a 2.29 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 113 strikeouts in 125.2 innings, to earn ABCA/Rawlings All-America First Team as well as claiming All-America third team from Collegiate Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. The following year he garnered All-America Second Team status from NCBWA, posting a 10-4 mark with a 3.08 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 120 strikeouts in 125.2 innings. Also, a standout in the classroom, Stripling chalked up CoSIDA Academic All-America recognition in 2011 (third team) and 2012 (first team).Stripling was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He provided a memorable Major League debut pitching 7.1 no-hit innings against the San Francisco Giants in an April 2016 start for the Dodgers. Stripling has logged 39 victories in 237 pitching appearances during his nine-year major league career. He made an appearance in the 2018 MLB All-Star Game during a campaign which saw him go 8-6 with a 3.02 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 122.0 innings. In 2022, he enjoyed another fine campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays, going 10-4 with one save, a 3.01 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 111 strikeouts in 134.1 innings.
Kay Don – Hall of Honor
Kay Don was a pioneer of women’s athletics at Texas A&M. At the birth of Title IX in 1972, she helped begin the Women’s Sports Association (WSA) in Aggieland with the dream of sparking opportunity for women to compete in college athletics for the Maroon & White. As a faculty member in the Health and Physical Education department, Don had a budget of just $300 for the WSA to fund the nine newly created programs in that first year (softball, volleyball, bowling, badminton, tennis, track & field, cross country, gymnastics and swimming). Basketball would be added a year later, which Don coached for no additional compensation while a faculty member.
On June 15, 1975, the WSA finally became an official part of the Texas A&M Athletics Department after the Athletic Council voted to merge the two. Don was then named Interim Director of Women’s Athletics and eventually Assistant Athletic Director of Women’s Athletics. She served in that role from 1975-84. Don coached numerous sports during her time at A&M, including basketball, softball and bowling. She was the first coach in the basketball program’s history and served in that role during the 1974-77 seasons. She posted a 56-37 record, which is second all-time in winning percentage for Aggie women’s basketball head coaches (60.2%). Of the original 10 women’s sports at Texas A&M, seven still remain and have won over 20 team national titles, cementing themselves as one of the elite women’s collegiate organizations in the country. From Aggieland, there have been countless All-Americans, Olympians and gold medalists. Don’s contributions and sacrifice laid the foundation for that success and the future success of women at Texas A&M.Don was inducted into her alma mater’s (Southwest Texas State ’66) Athletics Hall of Honor in 2003 and was also a former President of the National Association of Collegiate Women’s Athletics Administrators from 1983-87.
Duke Butler III ’70 – Men’s Golf – Lifetime Achievement Award
Duke Butler III was a standout on the Aggie men’s golf team for three years (1968-70) and was a member of the 1969 team that won the Southwest Conference Championship. After his time in Aggieland, he went on to join the PGA Tour where he played in nearly 30 events from 1975-77. At the age of 29 in 1978, Butler III became the youngest tournament director of a tour event, overseeing the Houston Open, one of the oldest tournaments on the PGA Tour. He was also the Executive Director of the Houston Golf Association from 1978-1991. The Bryan, Texas, native was inducted into the Texas Golf Hall of Fame in 1986. Butler III was named as Tournament Director in 1992 on the PGA Tour and was eventually promoted to Senior Vice President of the tour. The lifelong promoter of the game was also the President of the Frys.com Open in California and 2001 USA Captain at the Spirit Invitational.
The Aggie eventually retired from his position as Senior VP of Tournament Relations in 2007 and has continued to commit his life to the game of golf and growing the game. Butler III is now a full-time volunteer, giving golf lessons, officiating local tournaments, assisting charities and serving with the Jacksonville Area Golf Association and North Florida PGA.
The Bald Mamba getting a swimswam shoutout was not on my 2024 bingo card