Coker Athletics Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Class

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HARTSVILLE, S.C. – The Coker University athletics department will induct six individuals into the Cobras' Athletics Hall of Fame, Vice President of Athletics Dr. Lynn Griffin announced Thursday.

Softball coach David Hanna, baseball standout Jason Kupcak, women's basketball player Tillette Gibson Scott, men's soccer player Tai Sim, men's golfer Chris Taylor and softball student-athlete Angela Williams Wilson comprise the 2026 Hall of Fame class.

"This Hall of Fame class represents excellence, leadership and a lasting commitment to Coker University athletics," Griffin said. "Each of these individuals made a significant impact on their respective programs and helped shape the proud tradition of Cobra Athletics. We are honored to celebrate their achievements and welcome them into our Hall of Fame."

The induction ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7:30 p.m. inside the Harris E. & Louise H. DeLoach Center. The event will include dinner and drinks, with tickets priced at $25 per person.

DAVID HANNA (SOFTBALL COACH 1991-2014)

David Hanna is widely recognized as the architect of Coker softball's modern era, leaving an indelible mark on the program during his 24-year tenure from 1991 to 2014. Over that span, he compiled a remarkable 760–310–1 career record, establishing himself as the winningest coach in program history and setting a standard of excellence that has defined the Cobras for decades.

Under Hanna's leadership, Coker captured 14 conference championships across three different conferences while competing at both the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels. His teams consistently demonstrated competitiveness, resilience, and a commitment to excellence that allowed the program to thrive on the national stage. Coker advanced to the NCAA Regional Tournament 10 times and made appearances in the National Championship Tournament in 1995 and 1998, showcasing the program's ability to compete with the nation's elite.

The 1998 season remains a pinnacle of Hanna's coaching career. That year, he guided the Cobras to a program-record 54–3 overall record, including a perfect 18–0 mark in conference play to secure the CVAC title. The team's stellar performance culminated in a fifth-place national finish following a deep run in the National Championship Tournament, cementing Coker's reputation as a national contender.

Hanna's excellence was also recognized individually. He earned Conference Coach of the Year honors six times and was named NAIA District Coach of the Year in both 1993 and 1994. These accolades reflected not only his ability to lead winning teams but also his skill in developing players into elite competitors. Throughout his career, Hanna coached five All-Americans and 23 Academic All-Americans, underscoring his dedication to developing student-athletes who excelled both on the field and in the classroom.

Beyond the wins, records, and championships, Hanna's impact on Coker softball is measured in the culture he built. His mentorship shaped generations of athletes, instilling a standard of leadership and sportsmanship that continues to influence the program today. Hanna's legacy is one of unparalleled success, unwavering commitment, and lasting influence, making him one of the most celebrated figures in Coker athletics history.

JASON KUPCAK (BASEBALL 1993-94)

Jason Kupcak played a pivotal role in one of the most successful seasons in Coker baseball history, serving as a key member of the 1994 Cobras squad that compiled a remarkable 48–12 record and climbed as high as No. 3 in the NAIA national rankings. A steady and reliable presence in the middle infield, Kupcak— a two-time Coker team captain—provided defensive stability, leadership, and a competitive edge for a team that consistently performed at an elite national level.

Kupcak's leadership was especially evident during the postseason, as he helped guide Coker to the Carolinas Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Tournament championship. That title propelled the Cobras to the NAIA Mid-East Regional, where the team continued its historic postseason run before advancing to the NAIA College World Series in Des Moines, Iowa. The 1994 campaign remains one of the defining seasons in program history, and Kupcak was a vital contributor to that success.

His impact extended beyond the diamond. Kupcak exemplified excellence in the classroom, earning Academic All-America honors in 1994—an achievement that underscored his commitment to academic success while competing at the highest level of collegiate baseball. His ability to excel both athletically and academically reflects the core values of Coker athletics.

Offensively, Kupcak was a consistent and dependable contributor, batting .323 as a junior in 1993 and improving to a .333 average as a senior in 1994. His performance earned him First Team All-Conference honors at second base, further cementing his legacy as one of the standout student-athletes of his era.

TILLETTE GIBSON SCOTT (WOMEN'S BASKETBALL 1988-1991)

A cornerstone of Coker women's basketball during a formative period for the program, Tillette Gibson Scott established herself as one of the most complete and consistent players in school history. She concluded her career with 1,204 points, a total that stood as the program's all-time scoring record at the time of her graduation and currently ranks fourth all-time. Her ability to score at all three levels made her a focal point of opposing defenses throughout her career.

Gibson Scott was equally impactful on the glass, finishing with 615 career rebounds. That total ranked second in school history when she completed her career and now stands fifth all-time, underscoring her physicality, instincts, and relentless effort in the paint. Her presence on the boards often sparked transition opportunities and provided Coker with a consistent interior advantage.

One of only three players in program history to record at least 1,000 career points and 600 rebounds, Gibson Scott's rare combination of scoring touch and rebounding prowess defined her all-around game. Her consistency, leadership, and competitive drive helped shape the identity of Coker women's basketball during her tenure and set a standard for future generations.

In recognition of her lasting impact and contributions to the program, Gibson Scott was voted to Coker's All-Time Women's Basketball Second Team, cementing her place among the elite players in the history of Coker women's basketball.

TAI SIM (MEN'S SOCCER 1980-82)

Tai Sim left an indelible mark on the Coker men's soccer program during his three seasons on campus, establishing himself as one of the most prolific attacking players in school history. His 79 career points and 35 career goals remain program records, a testament to his consistent scoring ability and offensive impact throughout his career.

Sim's most dominant season came in 1980, when he scored a program-record 15 goals, a single-season mark that still stands today. His ability to find the back of the net in a variety of situations made him a constant threat and a focal point of the Cobras' attack, often drawing the attention of opposing defenses while creating opportunities for teammates.

Beyond the numbers, Sim's influence helped shape the offensive identity of Coker men's soccer during his era. His combination of skill, instincts, and competitiveness set a standard for attacking play that has endured for decades. In recognition of his outstanding career and lasting legacy, Sim was named to Coker's All-Time Men's Soccer First Team, cementing his place among the program's all-time greats.

CHRIS TAYLOR (MEN'S GOLF 1999-2003)

Chris Taylor is recognized as one of the most accomplished golfers in Coker history, pairing sustained collegiate excellence with a distinguished professional career.

Taylor starred for the Cobras from 2000 to 2003, establishing himself as one of the premier golfers in the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference and at the NCAA Division II level. Over his four-year career, he captured three collegiate tournament victories and recorded 15 top-10 finishes, showcasing remarkable consistency and competitive excellence. Taylor earned All-CVAC First Team honors in each of his four seasons and was named Coker College Most Valuable Player every year—an extraordinary achievement that underscores his dominance and leadership within the program. He also finished as the NCAA Division II scoring leader in Par-3 average in 2002, posting a mark of 2.93.

Taylor's collegiate success culminated with back-to-back NCAA Division II All-America selections in 2002 and 2003. He further represented Coker on the international stage by competing in the 2002 British Amateur Championship, one of the most prestigious amateur golf events in the world.

A 2003 graduate of Coker, Taylor earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology before turning professional in August of that year. His professional career included four victories and 20 top-10 finishes while competing across multiple tours, including the PGA Tour, Nationwide Tour, Hooters Tour, and E-Golf Tour, along with numerous PGA Section events. He competed in PGA Qualifying School in 2007 and 2008 and reached golf's highest level by playing in the 2007 PGA Tour Wyndham Championship.

Now working in the golf industry, Taylor considers his three children to be his greatest accomplishment, surpassing even his many achievements on the course.

ANGELA WILLIAMS WILSON (Softball 1997-2000)

Angela Williams Wilson is etched into the history of Coker softball as one of the most accomplished and versatile student-athletes the program has ever produced. A rare two-way standout, Wilson's impact on the field remains unmatched decades after her playing career came to a close.

Recognized for her excellence across eras, Wilson was named the left fielder on Coker's First Team All-Time Softball Team in 2017. Her name still appears prominently throughout the record book, as she currently ranks third in program history in career batting average at .427 — a testament to her consistency, discipline, and elite offensive skill.

The defining chapter of Wilson's career came during the 1998 season, when she authored one of the most remarkable individual performances in program history. That year, Wilson set a Coker single-season record with 99 hits, a total that has stood the test of time. Her production placed her among the nation's elite, ranking 13th nationally in NCAA Division II in hits during the 1998 campaign.

Wilson's influence extended well beyond the batter's box. A dominant presence in the circle, she also led the Cobras' pitching staff in 1998, averaging an impressive 9.3 strikeouts per game. Her ability to impact games on both sides of the ball made her one of the most valuable players in the program's history and a constant challenge for opposing teams.

Her individual excellence translated directly into team success. Wilson played a pivotal role on the historic 1998 Coker softball team, helping guide the Cobras through one of the most memorable seasons in school history. That team's lasting legacy was cemented with its induction into the Coker Athletics Hall of Fame in 2011, further underscoring Wilson's impact on the program.

Decades later, Williams Wilson's legacy continues to resonate within Coker Athletics. Her records remain intact, her honors endure, and her standard of excellence still serves as a benchmark for future generations of Cobras.