The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame announces its Induction Class of 2026, celebrating and recognizing the best of Michigan sports.
Members of this class are scheduled to be announced on July 29th and will be honored during the 2026 Induction Event, on Thursday December 17, 2026 at the Sound Board Theater at MotorCity Casino Hotel in Detroit. For tickets, which start at $25, purchase here.
The Class was voted on by the Hall of Fame’s Election Task Force, a Statewide Election Committee, and the public. The Election Task Force, comprised of current and former journalists, sports executives, and other diverse and knowledgeable members of the community, was chaired by Risa Balayem of PR1, Inc., a longtime sports and entertainment communications professional. The Class was ratified, unanimously, by the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors, which also selected the winners of this year’s awards.
“This class is filled with champions from varied levels and eras. Their induction helps make sure that fans of Michigan won’t forget what they accomplished. Congratulations to the Class of 2026,” said Scott Lesher, Hall of Fame chairman.
“We appreciate the increased number of Michigan sports fans who helped select this class,” added Jordan Field, Hall of Fame president. “Public voters supported those they remember the most, helping to make sure each of our inductees is among the most worthy.”
All-American offensive lineman at the University of Maryland, selected by the Detroit Lions in the 1985 NFL draft. Played 15 NFL seasons, 13 with Detroit. Four time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl center instrumental in Detroit’s rushing attack alongside Barry Sanders. Named to the Lions’ 75th Season All-Time team in 2008 and the All-Time Team in 2019.
After an outstanding high school and college athletic career that included two National Championships at the University of Connecticut, Cash was selected by the Detroit Shock with the 2nd overall pick in the 2002 WNBA Draft. In her second season, Cash helped lead the Shock to the 2003 WNBA championship and was named All-WNBA Second Team. Three years later, Cash added a second title in Detroit. Cash helped lead the United States to gold medals in both the 2004 and 2012 Summer Olympics and played 15 total seasons in the WNBA, earning four All-Star selections and two All-Star MVP performances.
After playing high school football at Grand Blanc (MI) Community High School and Flint Southwestern Academy, Ingram, II was named Saginaw Valley MVP, Area Player of the Year, and earned all-state honors as a senior. Also received nine All-State selections as a track and field athlete. Played college football at Alabama where in 2009, he led the team to the BCS National Championship and became the school’s first Heisman Trophy winner. Selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 28 th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, had an 11-year pro football career that included three Pro-Bowl Selections.
A two-time Michigan state champion in the 500-yard freestyle (2001, 2002) at Rochester Adams High School and the 2001 state champion in the 200-yard freestyle. Vanderkaay competed for the Michigan Wolverines swimming and diving team and holds a total of six NCAA, and 14 Big Ten Conference titles. He is a four-time Olympic medalist, winning gold in the 4 x 200-meter relay (2004, 2008) and bronze (200-meter freestyle 2008, and 400-meter freestyle in 2012).
Born in Corunna, Annese played college football at Alma College before beginning his coaching career. After several assistant and head coaching roles, he eventually took over at Muskegon High School, where he captured three Division 2 state championships. Hired as the head coach of Ferris State University, Annese has led the Bulldogs to seven conference championships, 11 playoff appearances and four Division II National Championships (2021, 2022, 2024, 2025) while compiling a record of 153 – 21. In 2024, he was honored as the first-ever recipient of the Walter Camp Division II Coach of the Year by the Walter Camp Football Foundation.
Woods became the youngest captain in Detroit Red Wings team history prior to Steve Yzerman and played 501 games in seven seasons as a member of the Red Wings. The 1983-84 season was his last in the NHL and in 1987, Woods transitioned to the broadcast booth as the Red Wings radio color commentator. On October 17, 2022, he reached a remarkable milestone by providing color commentary in his 3,000th game, cementing his status as the longestserving radio color commentator in Detroit sports history. Woods retired after the 2025-26 season, his 40th with the Red Wings.
Born in Wyandotte, All-American baseball player at Western Michigan University who later joined the Detroit Tigers as a scout and ascended to general manager role under legendary Tigers executive Jim Campbell. Responsible for acquiring core components of Detroit’s 1984 World Series champion team and 1987 AL East winner. Won two additional World Series as a consultant for the Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox. Died on December 28, 2010, at age 76.
Courage Award Winner
Drenth, the boys’ golf coach at Charlevoix High School, led his team during a year of extraordinary success and hardship, from saving lives avoiding a fatal crash and sustaining serious injuries during what could have been a fatal crash of the team’s van to ultimately winning a State Championship, the Hall will honor this amazing real life Michigan story.
Michigan Treasure Award Winner
50 years ago this summer, in 1976, “The Bird” took baseball fans across the country on a magical ride of personality and pitching brilliance that should never be forgotten. Winner of the Rookie of the Year that season, Fidrych started the All Star Game for the American League and finished the season with an ERA title, 19-9 record and 24 complete games.
Thurday, December 17, 2026 – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel
General Admission / Balcony
VIP / Main Floor Ticket
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