The Ultimate Hall of Fame is pleased to welcome five Contributor-Product Innovation inductees to the Class of 2026. The newest Hall members in the Contributor category include; Rob Baril for UltiVillage, Rodney Jacobson for The Score Reporter, Kevin Leclaire for UltiPhotos, Adriana Withers for VC Ultimate, and The Titcomb Siblings – Zahlen, Xtehn, Vehro, Rohre, and Qxhna for FIVE Ultimate. These new Hall members join the 12 player inductees from the Open, Mixed, and Women’s divisions announced on August 24, 2026. 

“The addition of these Contributors to the 2026 Class highlights their work as visionary entrepreneurs who created some of the best things happening in our sport and its culture. Their innovations were created, existed, and had significant impact prior to and including 2010; many of which continue to significantly impact our sport,” said Suzanne Fields, Ultimate Hall of Fame Administrator and Vetting Committee chair. “We look forward to honoring them at the next Hall of Fame Induction ceremony to take place during the 2028 USAU National Championships where we’ll be honoring the 2024 through 2028 Classes of Hall inductees.”

The 2026 contributor selection process initial stage involved nominations made by the Contributor Advisory Committee*, led by Henry Thorne and David Barkan, along with knowledgeable ultimate community members and Vetting Committee members. The Advisory Committee identified potential nominees, established a contributor peer pool, solicited nominations and candidate documents, and completed a peer pool rank choice vote that identified a slate of 5 finalists. The five Contributor-Product Innovation finalists were announced in the Call to the Community in June which requested input from the ultimate community at-large. Over 140 ultimate community members provided input on the contributors; the largest response for any of the 2026 candidates. The last stage involved a final vote in late September by the eligible player and contributor members of the Ultimate Hall of Fame. All five finalists received an affirmative vote by the required 66-2/3rds % on the final ballots submitted by eligible Hall voters.

The Class of 2026 is the 23rd class inducted into the Ultimate Hall of Fame, which was established in 2004 to honor exceptional ultimate players and contributors whose accomplishments are worthy of recognition and merit acknowledgement by their peers.

HALL OF FAME CONTRIBUTOR INDUCTEES – CLASS OF 2026

Rob Baril and his company UltiVillage filled a massive hole in the ultimate viewing experience. The first to produce epic highlight reels and quality DVDs, he also pioneered live streaming. Bringing the community onto the field in major tournaments was a groundbreaking leap/benefit for all who love our sport.

For years we waited hours, even days for tournament results. Rodney Jacobson fixed that, creating an application that updated scores of multiple games in real time. For over twenty years, Score Reporter has enabled instant access to field action around the world – free, self-regulated, always improving.

Not long ago, finding a quality action photo of yourself or your team required knowing a pro. Kevin Leclaire created the online store, UltiPhotos, and changed the game. Once the best photographers in ultimate could post and sell their amazing images, the players and the world began to see the sport in a whole new light.

For the 5 Titcomb siblings – Zahlen, Xtehn, Vehro, Rohre, and Qxhna creating bold new products, driving social impact, and building community was all in a day’s work. You could shop for clothing, meet up with friends, or chill on a comfy couch at the FIVE Ultimate tournament tent. The company was for, by, and all about ultimate fanatics. They got you.

When ultimate players wanted professional grade uniforms to meet their aspirations as athletes and representatives of the sport, Adriana Withers and VC Ultimate filled the need. For almost 3 decades, VC has brought legitimacy and elegance to the field while always remaining rooted in ultimate’s culture and values.

*2026 Contributor Advisory Committee:

  • Henry Thorne (Contributor lead) – HoF Class of ‘24
  • David Barkan (Contributors) – HoF Class of ‘10
  • Nicole Neumiller
  • Steve Sullivan
  • Kyle Weisbrod
  • Jim Parinella – HoF Class of ’14
  • David Blau – HoF Class of  ’17

2026 Vetting Committee:

  • Suzanne Fields (Chair, HoF Vetting Committee) – HoF Inaugural Class of ‘04
  • Bart Watson (Open Peer Co-lead) – HoF Class of ‘22
  • Jim Parinella (Open Peer Co-lead) – HoF Class of ’14
  • Greg Husak (Open Peer Co-lead) – HoF Class of ’18
  • Alex Ghesquiere (Open Peer Co-lead) – HoF Class of ‘25
  • Kurt Gibson (Open Peer Co-lead) – HoF Class of ‘25
  • Gwen Ambler  (Women’s Division Peer Co-lead) HoF Class ’21
  • Katey Forth  (Women’s Division Peer Co-lead) HoF Class of ‘21
  • Carolyn Finney (Women’s Division Peer Co-lead) HoF Class of ‘25
  • Kendra Frederick (Mixed Division Co-lead) – HoF Class of ’23
  • Emily Smith-Wilson (Mixed Division Co-lead) – HoF Class of ‘22
  • Kevin Seiler (Mixed Division Co-lead) – HoF Class of ‘23
  • Henry Thorne (Contributor lead) – HoF Class of ‘24
  • David Barkan (Contributors) – HoF Class of ‘10

####