The Ultimate Hall of Fame Board of Directors is pleased to announce the kick-off of the 2026 HoF Selection Process. The timeline, updates, and forms have been posted on the Selection Process section of the Hall of Fame website. Nominations are due on May 10th and References by May 17, 2026.
The 2026 Vetting Committee includes Women’s division Peer Pool (PP) co-leaders Gwen Ambler (HoF’21), Katharine Forth (HoF ’21), and Carolyn Finney (HoF’25). Coordinating the Open PP is Bart Watson (HoF’22), Jim Parinella (HoF’14), Greg Husak (HoF ‘18), Alex “Dutchy” Ghesquiere (HoF ‘25), and Kurt Gibson (HoF ‘25). Leading the Contributors is Henry Thorne (HoF’24) and David Barkan (HoF’10), in collaboration with an Advisory Committee. Kendra Frederick (HoF’23) co-leads the Mixed division with Emily Smith-Wilson (HoF’22), and Kevin Seiler (HoF’23), in collaboration with an Advisory Committee. The Vetting Committee is joined by HoF Administrator and committee chair, Suzanne Fields (HoF‘04).
The Peer Pool leaders are currently updating the respective peer pools for the 2026 campaign focused on top level competitors whose careers included 2010 to 2018. The updated lists will be posted when available. Eligibility age for Hall player candidates is 38 for Open/male-matching Mixed competitors (1988 or earlier birth year) and 37 for Women’s division/female-matching Mixed competitors (1989 or earlier birth year).
For 2026, the Contributor category focus will be on Product Innovation; entrepreneurs from 2010 and earlier who saw opportunity and invested their time and resources to elevate our sport. These innovators introduced better uniforms, equipment, photography, video, and coverage—helping elevate ultimate’s image and legitimacy. Their vision built the foundation for many of the sport’s best features and cultural strengths. The Contributor Committee is currently working to finalize the definition and criteria for this category and will publish the nomination form within the next 2 weeks. Stay tuned!
Please feel free to reach out to Suzanne Fields, the Peer Pool leaders, Contributor coordinators, or email ultimatehalloffame@gmail.com with any questions.