HAMILTON – Colgate Athletics is excited to welcome 12 new members to the 2026 Hall of Honor.
This year's lineup of inductees features seven women and six men who have together accumulated 10 conference championships across 12 varsity sports during their Colgate careers. The group brings the Hall of Honor membership to 286 honorees.
The inductees will be officially enshrined into the Hall of Honor during Colgate's annual Homecoming weekend celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17. More information on the festivities around homecoming and hall of honor weekend will be coming soon.
Hall of Honor inductions take place every two years to recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to Colgate Athletics. The Hall of Honor's purpose is to perpetuate the memory of those who have brought distinction, honor, and excellence to Colgate Athletics.
"Inducting these 12 extraordinary individuals into the Hall of Honor is a proud moment for Colgate," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Yariv Amir '01. "This class represents the gold standard of Raider Athletics – leaders who set precedents in competition, in the classroom, and beyond. Their achievements continue to inspire our current student-athletes, and I cannot wait to honor them during Homecoming weekend."
The following inductees are listed below in alphabetical order. Emily Braseth '05, who was inducted in 2024 but unable to attend the ceremony, will be celebrated alongside the 2026 class this October.
Amanda Brickell (Conklin) '03
Softball
A three-time All-Patriot League First Team second baseman and two-time All-Mid Atlantic Region selection, Amanda Brickell stands as one of the most consistent and prolific hitters in Colgate softball history. Over 185 games, she maintained a .320 career batting average, finishing her tenure ranked third in program history for hits (167), RBIs (86), and doubles (33). Her versatility and power are still reflected in the record books today, where she remains in the top 10 for total bases and runs scored. A standout scholar who graduated magna cum laude, Brickell was a four-time Academic Honor Roll recipient and earned the prestigious ECAC Merit Medal as a senior. Following her storied collegiate career, she has continued her dedication to sport by serving as the Managing Director of Division I at the NCAA national office.
Chelsea Burns '12
Women's Track & Field
One of the most accomplished distance runners in program history, Chelsea Burns capped her senior year as Colgate's Female Athlete of the Year. An NCAA East Regional qualifier, she captured ECAC and Patriot League 5,000-meter titles, setting a school record. Indoors, Burns earned Patriot League Track Athlete of the Meet honors after winning both the mile and 3,000-meter crowns, and she helped secure the program's first-ever Patriot League Cross Country Championship in 2010. After graduating in 2012, Burns forged an elite, eight-year international triathlon career, securing multiple World Cup podiums and a top-10 Olympic ranking. Today, she gives back as an NCAA coach, USA Triathlon mentor, and Athlete Board member. Most recently she has contributed to the sport in media through work with two triathlon podcasts and focuses on covering the Olympic pipeline of the sport.
Bill Dodd (James W.) '53
Men's Basketball
A two-time All-American and legendary captain of the 1952 and 1953 squads, Bill Dodd remains one of the most dominant forces in Colgate basketball history. A premier scorer who led the team for three consecutive seasons, Dodd joined the 1,000-point club in the pre-three-point era and continues to rank fifth all-time in rebounds per game. His elite athleticism earned him a selection as an NBA Draft Pick — one of only two in school history — yet he famously chose a path of service over the pros, turning down the NBA to attend Columbia Medical School. Whether dominating the glass or leading in the classroom, Dodd's legacy defines the pinnacle of the Colgate student-athlete.
Jessie Eldridge '19
Women's Hockey
Jessie Eldridge left an indelible mark on Colgate women's hockey, combining a record-setting collegiate career with elite success at the international and professional levels. A three-time All-ECAC honoree, she helped lead the Raiders to the 2018 National Championship game, famously defeating Wisconsin in the Frozen Four. Eldridge captained the 2018-19 squad and remains Colgate's all-time leading scorer with 163 points (74 goals, 89 assists) in 153 games. Her stellar senior season earned her the Don Palmateer Award and top-10 finalist honors for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award. Internationally, she won gold with Team Canada at the 2022 IIHF World Championship. Drafted into the PWHL in 2023, Eldridge starred for New York before joining the Boston Fleet as a dynamic forward.
John Frieser '04
Football
John Frieser, a three-time All-Patriot League honoree and standout tight end, helped lead Colgate Football to two Patriot League championships and captained the historic 2003 team to the NCAA Division I-AA national championship game. A three-year starter, he was a key offensive threat, compiling 68 receptions, 999 receiving yards, and nine touchdowns. A double major in sociology and anthropology, Frieser excelled at the highest level academically. He was named the Division I-AA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, Patriot League Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and an Academic All-American. Frieser also earned three Academic All-District honors, twice made the FCS ADA Academic All-Star Team, and received a prestigious National Football Foundation postgraduate scholarship for excellence in athletics, academics, and leadership. In 2005, Frieser played for NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder, helping the team to a World Bowl berth.
Mike Herling '79, H'24, P'08,'09,'12
Trustee
A dedicated leader and advocate for Colgate athletics, Mike Herling has left an indelible mark on the university's physical and competitive landscape. As both a member, and chair, of the Board of Trustees, and Chair of Athletic Affairs, Herling was instrumental in the realization of the Class of 1965 Arena and the development of the Carey Center, two transformative landmarks of the athletics campus. His philanthropic reach extends across the department, providing vital support to both facilities, the Trudy Fitness Center and bolstering several varsity athletics programs. In recognition of his profound commitment and service to his alma mater, he was honored with the Alumni Maroon Citation, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in the success of the Raiders, and an honorary degree.
Alli Lowe '22
Volleyball
Alli Lowe graduated as the first four-time All-Patriot League First Team selection in program history. In 121 career matches played, she compiled 1,614 career kills (3.71 per set), 602 digs, 36 assists, 38 service aces, and 152 blocks. Lowe sweepingly won ECAC, Patriot League, and Colgate Athletics Rookie of the Year in 2017. She set a program record with 1,289 total attacks while guiding the team to a Patriot League regular season title and NIVC Quarterfinal appearance in 2019. Lowe earned back-to-back Patriot League Player of the Year, Colgate Athletics Athlete of the Year, and AVCA All-America Honorable Mention honors in both 2019 and 2020-21 seasons. In 2021, Lowe led the team to their first Patriot League championship since 2012 on her way to garnering the program's first AVCA Northeast All-Region accolades.
Maureen Lynch '06
Women's Rowing
Maureen Lynch concluded one of the most decorated student-athlete careers in Colgate Women's Rowing history as a two-time All-America Second Team honoree. She also garnered All Mid-Atlantic honors in 2005 as one of nine rowers selected for outstanding performances within the Division I region. Additionally, Lynch was selected to the inaugural All-Patriot League Team following their performances in the varsity eight race at the 2006 Patriot League Championship in Worcester, Mass., where Colgate finished third with a time of 6:42.9. The women's crew team also earned Eastern College Athletic Conference Metro Crew of the Week honors after capturing the Varsity Eight event. Lynch helped anchor the Varsity Eight to a sixth-place finish at the Crash B Sprints, the premier World Indoor Rowing Championships.
Martin MacIntyre '09
Men's Tennis
A standout two-time team captain, Martin MacIntyre finished his Colgate career as one of the most accomplished competitors in tennis program history, anchoring the No. 1 singles position. His junior season marked a major breakthrough, earning Patriot League Player of the Year honors after going undefeated (5-0) in conference singles play in 2008. He won Flight 1 at the ECAC Championship and compiled an impressive 24-11 overall singles record while also excelling at No. 1 doubles. As a senior, MacIntyre led the Raiders from the top of the lineup with a 21-8 singles record, earning All-Patriot League First Team honors and twice being named Player of the Month. The three-time All-Patriot League honoree was also honored on the Patriot League Silver Anniversary Team.
Austin Smith '12
Men's Hockey
One of the most prolific scorers in Colgate Men's Hockey history, Austin Smith was a 2012 top-10 Hobey Baker finalist and First Team All-American. During his historic senior campaign, he earned ECAC MVP honors, finishing third nationally with 57 points and leading the country with 36 goals – the most by a Raider since 1981. The top American-born scorer in program history, Smith at the time of his induction ranked 15th all-time with 160 points and sixth with 79 goals. He is one of only 10 Raiders to record 75 goals and 75 assists. Drafted 128th overall by the Dallas Stars in 2007, Smith enjoyed a 12-year professional career across multiple elite leagues, including the AHL, ECHL, Liiga, and DEL2.
Heidi Sullivan '06
Women's Lacrosse
Heidi Sullivan was a two-time team captain who started every game of her four-year career. A dominant force in the midfield and defensive zone, she led Colgate to consecutive Patriot League championships and NCAA tournament appearances in 2004 and 2005. The 2005 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year was a three-time All-League First Team selection, graduating fourth all-time in ground balls (176) and first in draw controls (108). A standout student-athlete, Sullivan earned IWLCA National Honor Roll accolades and four Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selections. She returned to Colgate as an assistant coach from 2007-2011, helping guide the Raiders to back-to-back conference titles and NCAA appearances in 2008 and 2009.
Brett Tucker '98
Men's Lacrosse
A cornerstone of Colgate's defense from 1995-98, Brett Tucker ranks among the program's all-time greats at his position. One of three Colgate Men's Lacrosse athletes to be honored as a three-time All-Patriot League First Team selection (1996-98), he was named to the Patriot League All-Decade Team of the 1990s. He started 47 games as a Raider, including the 1998 season in which he anchored the defense to a Patriot League-best 8.99 goals-against average. Tucker's impact extended beyond performance, earning the Sagal-Bisselle Sportsmanship Award in 1996 for his leadership, competitiveness, and respect for the game. A consistent and commanding defensive presence, Tucker helped define Colgate Lacrosse in the late 1990s and remains one of the program's and league's premier defensemen of the era.
Emily Braseth '05
Women's Basketball
Emily Braseth is one of only two Colgate women's basketball players to be named to the All-Patriot League Team three times (2003, 2004, 2005), and one of only three Colgate women's basketball players to lead the team in average points for three straight years (2003, 2004, 2005). A swiss-army knife for the Raiders, Braseth boasts the program's third-highest career scoring average (14.6 ppg), seventh-best career rebounding average (5.9 rpg) and ranks 10th in career assist average (2.6 apg). Braseth also scored 1,417 points during her career, good for seventh most in program history, despite limited playing time (97 game) due to injury. She helped lead Colgate to a Patriot League championship and the program's first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2002-03. Braseth today is the only Colgate women's basketball student-athlete named to the Patriot League Quarter Century team.
