PLAINVIEW, Texas – Wayland Baptist University Athletics has announced that
Chelsey Driskill Souza (Volleyball),
Brian Whitlock (Cross Country/Track & Field),
Marina Gallegos (Women's Golf),
Edward "Eddie" Taragon (Cross Country/Track & Field) and
Eddie Allen (Baseball) will be inducted into the
Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor as members of the
Class of 2026.
Each inductee was selected by the Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor Committee following a nomination and voting process that resulted in overwhelming support from the committee. The Class of 2026 represents a diverse group of student-athletes and coaches whose accomplishments helped shape some of the most successful eras in Wayland Athletics history.
The 2026 Hall of Honor class features individuals whose impact spans multiple sports and generations of Pioneer athletics.
Chelsey Driskill Souza - Volleyball (2012-2015)
Driskill Souza was one of the most accomplished middle hitters in Pioneer volleyball history during her career from 2012-15. A four-time All-Sooner Athletic Conference selection, she amassed more than 1,300 career kills while earning AVCA All-Region and NAIA All-American honors. Her success on the court was matched in the classroom, where she received multiple academic honors while helping establish a tradition of excellence for the Pioneers.
Brian Whitlock - Cross Country, Track & Field Coach (2004-2011; 2015-2022)
Whitlock dedicated nearly two decades to Wayland Baptist University as a coach, building the Pioneer cross country and track & field programs into perennial national contenders. His teams captured five NAIA national championships, while he earned three NAIA National Coach of the Year honors and coached numerous national champions and All-Americans. His leadership helped establish Wayland as one of the NAIA's premier track and field programs.
Marina Gallegos - Women's Golf (2014-2018)
Gallegos becomes the first women's golfer inducted into the Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor. The Madrid, Spain, native earned NAIA All-American honors in three consecutive seasons, highlighted by a Second Team selection in 2015. Her consistency and success at the national level helped elevate the Pioneer golf program and paved the way for future generations of Wayland golfers.
Edward "Eddie" Taragon - Cross Country, Track & Field (2009-2012)
Taragon will be inducted posthumously following a remarkable career that exemplified perseverance and determination. A six-time NAIA All-American in cross country and track & field, Taragon overcame major heart surgery early in his collegiate career before returning to become one of the nation's elite distance runners. His inspiring journey and lasting impact continue to resonate throughout the Wayland community.
Eddie Allen - Baseball (2007-2011)
Allen concluded one of the finest baseball careers in Pioneer history as the program's all-time leader in numerous offensive and defensive categories. A four-year starter at shortstop, he earned multiple All-Sooner Athletic Conference honors while becoming one of the NAIA's top hitters during his senior season. His achievements on the field, combined with his academic success and leadership, cemented his place among the greatest players in program history.
The Wayland Baptist University Athletics Hall of Honor recognizes former student-athletes, coaches and contributors whose accomplishments and dedication have made a lasting impact on Pioneer Athletics and the University. Since its inception, the Hall of Honor has celebrated those whose excellence has helped shape the rich tradition of Wayland Baptist University Athletics.
Class of 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony
The 2026 WBU Athletics Hall of Honor ceremony will be held on the morning of October 24 on the campus of Wayland Baptist University in Plainview, Texas.
