Former University President Lois B. DeFleur heads the Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026, announced Tuesday. Joining DeFleur are women's soccer midfielder Amanda Casares '10, MA '12, baseball first baseman Dave Ciocchi '12 and softball outfielder Jessica Phillips '13. The quartet will be enshrined Oct. 3 during Homecoming Weekend on campus.  

DeFleur became the first female president at Binghamton University in 1991 and her 19-year tenure was marked by unprecedented growth in athletics facilities, support and status. A former collegiate basketball player, DeFleur was supportive of athletics and her vision for the University included a strong school spirit directly tied to a successful intercollegiate athletics program. During her tenure, the University made its historic move from NCAA Division III to Division I and gained membership in the America East Conference. The school also changed its nickname to "Bearcats" during her leadership. She was a frequent speaker at athletics banquets and luncheons and she also could be seen cheering for the teams during competitions. DeFleur gave the keynote speech at the first women's luncheon event celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day in 2006.

Casares was a four-year stalwart at center midfield for a women's soccer team that advanced to the conference semifinals in each of her final three seasons, including a title-game appearance in her senior campaign. She was a three-time all-conference and two-time all-region selection who totaled seven goals and six assists. Casares was the Division's John Bilos Award winner and NCAA Woman of the Year nominee. After her playing career, she served as a volunteer coach for the Bearcats and most recently, has been a member of the Binghamton University Alumni Association Board of Directors.   

Ciocchi compiled huge numbers for a baseball program that began its rise on the national level during his tenure. A four-year starter who hit in the heart of the Bearcat order, Ciocchi was a three-time all-conference selection. He was a Freshman All-American in 2009 after helping lift the Bearcats to their first America East tournament title and NCAA appearance. He then racked up eight RBIs at the East Carolina Regional, earning All-Regional Team accolades. Ciocchi concluded his career as the program's all-time doubles leader and ranks No. 2 in career hits (245) and RBI (162).

Phillips was the 2011 America East Player of the Year and a two-time first team all-region selection. She belted 44 career home runs and drove in 122 runs for a softball program that averaged 10 conference wins with her in the lineup. Phillips was a three-time all-conference selection and was America East Rookie of the Year in 2010. She ranked among the NCAA top-10 in successive seasons with 15 home runs in 2010 and a .576 on-base percentage in 2011. Phillips was Binghamton's Female Athlete of the Year in 2010-11 and was the Division's John Bilos Award winner in 2013.

The 30^th Annual Induction Ceremony and breakfast will be held Saturday, Oct. 3 in the Events Center. A link to purchase tickets will be available in the coming weeks.