MELBOURNE, Fla. – Florida Tech Athletics is proud to announce its 2026 Hall of Fame class, honoring a distinguished group of scholar-athletes, a championship team, and a transformative administrator whose contributions have left a lasting legacy on the Panther program.

This year's class spans multiple sports and eras, recognizing excellence in competition, leadership, and impact on the continued growth of Florida Tech Athletics and the Sunshine State Conference.

Baseball
Jonathan Cornelius (2007–2011)
A dominant force on the mound, Jonathan Cornelius remains the program's all-time leader in strikeouts with 356. He ranks among the top pitchers in multiple categories, including wins (28), ERA (3.19), innings pitched (316.1), and shutouts (5).
In 2011, Cornelius led the nation with 129 strikeouts, a program record that still stands. His 15-strikeout performance against Saint Leo University on April 24, 2010, remains tied for the single-game record.

Cornelius helped guide the Panthers to NCAA Tournament appearances in 2008 and 2010 and earned First Team All-SSC honors in both 2010 and 2011.

Men's Basketball
Ray Paprocky (1987–1990)
A standout guard, Ray Paprocky etched his name among the program's elite playmakers. He totaled 331 career assists, ranking 11th in program history, while his 5.51 assists per game average stands as the second-best mark all-time.

During the 1989-90 season, Paprocky dished out a program-record 206 assists, a mark that stood for 18 years and still ranks third all-time. His 6.8 assists per game that season set a program record for eight years and remains fifth in history.

Paprocky played a pivotal role in two historic teams, helping lead Florida Tech to its first-ever NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Tournament appearances in 1988-89 and 1989-90, while also contributing to the program's first SSC regular season championship in 1989-90.
 
Women's Basketball
Felicia (Bell) Brown (1998–2002)
One of the most prolific scorers in program history, Felicia Bell Brown concluded her career with 1,955 points and 741 made field goals, both ranking second all-time. She also ranks among the program's leaders in points per game (16.5), free throws made (411), games played (118), and steals (194).

As a freshman, Bell averaged 20.6 points per game, becoming one of only five Panthers to average 20+ points in a season. She also owns three of the top ten single-season field goal marks in program history.

Bell was instrumental in the Panthers' 2001-02 campaign, helping lead the team to SSC regular season and tournament titles and a historic run to the Elite Eight. Her accolades include D2 Bulletin Honorable Mention All-American honors (2001-02), SSC Freshman of the Year (1998-99), and multiple All-SSC selections.

Women's Golf
2019 National Championship Team
The 2019 women's golf team delivered one of the most historic seasons in Florida Tech history, capturing the NCAA Division II National Championship at PGA National's Champion Course.

The Panthers secured the title with a 4-1 victory over California State University San Marcos in the match play final.

Florida Tech's championship-clinching performances included wins by Lucy Eaton, Paola Ortiz, Megan Dennis, Noelle Jacob, and Lauren Watson, solidifying the program's place among the nation's elite.

Women's Lacrosse
Allie Modica (2015–2017)
Allie Modica makes history as the very first women's lacrosse scholar-athlete to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. A foundational figure in the early success of Florida Tech women's lacrosse, Modica ranks among the program's all-time leaders in points (191), goals (146), assists (45), draw controls (175), and ground balls (140).

Modica made history as the program's first All-American, earning Second Team honors in 2016 and First Team recognition in 2017. She was also named SSC Player of the Year in 2016—the first in program history—and was a three-time First Team All-SSC selection.

A dynamic and consistent performer, Modica started every game of her career and led the SSC in points per game as a senior. She set program records with seven goals in a single game and became the first Panther to record 10 draw controls in a game.

Beyond her playing career, Modica has remained deeply involved in the sport through coaching, mentorship, and community engagement, continuing to grow the game at multiple levels.
 
Special Category – Administration
Bill Jurgens (Athletic Director, 1976–2020)
Bill Jurgens' extraordinary career at Florida Tech spanned more than four decades, leaving a legacy that lifted Panther Athletics to national prominence. From 1976 to 2020, he served as Athletic Director, guiding the department through tremendous growth and success.

His journey began in 1969 as Florida Tech's first rowing coach, where he built the foundation for one of the region's most respected programs. His crews became a national force, claiming 20 Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association titles, 27 Florida Intercollegiate crowns, and 17 Dad Vail Regatta victories, cementing Florida Tech as a rowing power.
 
As Athletic Director, Jurgens expanded varsity sports, advanced facilities, and championed the scholar-athlete ideal. Under his leadership, Florida Tech joined NCAA Division II in 1979 and the Sunshine State Conference in 1981.The Panthers produced countless All-Americans and Academic All-Americans, while capturing five national championships, 35 Sunshine State Conference titles, and seven SSC individual crowns. His vision wove integrity, excellence, and community pride into the very fabric of Panther Athletics.
His influence extended nationally through service on the U.S. Rowing Association Board of Directors, the U.S. Olympic Rowing Committee, and as chair of the Division II Women's Rowing Committee, helping advance the sport and expand opportunities for scholar-athletes.

In 2026, Jurgens continues to serve Florida Tech as Athletic Director Emeritus, a lasting symbol of leadership, vision, and devotion to excellence.

The 2026 Hall of Fame class will be formally inducted during a special ceremony on October 24^th, 2026 celebrating the enduring achievements and contributions of these Panthers who have helped define Florida Tech Athletics.

Additional information regarding tickets and event details will be announced at a later date.
 
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Scholars. Champions. Leaders.