BREAKING: UK Athletics Hall of Fame Announces Star-Studded Class of 2025 Featuring Legends Across Six Sports
In a moment of pride and celebration for Big Blue Nation, the University of Kentucky has officially revealed the Class of 2025 inductees for the UK Athletics Hall of Fame. This year’s class is as diverse as it is iconic, representing a wide spectrum of Wildcat excellence across multiple decades, sports, and stages. From the softball diamond to the hardwood, the gridiron to the broadcast booth, the six honorees embody the legacy of what it means to wear Kentucky blue. The inductees for 2025 are Abbey Cheek-Ramsey (softball), Makayla Epps (women’s basketball), Doug Flynn (baseball, men’s basketball, broadcasting), Sonia Hahn (women’s tennis), Josh Hines-Allen (football), and Karl-Anthony Towns (men’s basketball). These individuals have etched their names into the history books of UK Athletics, and this fall, they will be honored with the university’s highest accolade for athletic achievement.
Each member of the Class of 2025 has left an unmistakable mark on the University of Kentucky, excelling not only in competition but also as ambassadors for their programs and role models for future generations of Wildcats. The announcement comes at a time when the UK Athletics Hall of Fame continues to serve as a beacon of tradition and excellence, preserving the rich history of the university’s athletic achievements and honoring those who have elevated it to national prominence.
Abbey Cheek-Ramsey is among the most dominant softball players in Kentucky history. During her remarkable collegiate career, she became the program’s first-ever SEC Player of the Year, earning that distinction in 2019. Cheek-Ramsey led the Wildcats in nearly every major offensive category and helped push UK Softball into national contention. Her power at the plate, sharp defensive play, and leadership made her a cornerstone of the program. She left Kentucky as the all-time leader in home runs and RBIs, cementing her status as one of the most feared hitters in the country during her tenure. Her influence continues to be felt in the sport and in the legacy she helped build for Kentucky Softball.
Makayla Epps is a name synonymous with Kentucky Women’s Basketball. A dynamic playmaker and fierce competitor, Epps carried the proud tradition of UK hoops into the national spotlight with her unmatched intensity and versatility. The daughter of former UK basketball standout Anthony Epps, Makayla forged her own legendary path in Lexington, earning All-SEC honors and leading the Wildcats to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances. Her ability to dominate games from the point guard position made her a fan favorite and a leader in the locker room. Epps’ contributions transcended statistics—she was the heart and soul of her teams, and her presence on the court elevated those around her. Her career continues to inspire young women athletes who look up to her passion, drive, and love for the game.
Doug Flynn’s inclusion in the 2025 Hall of Fame class brings recognition to a Wildcat whose connection to UK Athletics spans generations and disciplines. A native of Lexington, Flynn’s athletic journey is extraordinary—he played both baseball and basketball at Kentucky before embarking on a professional baseball career that included a World Series championship and a Gold Glove award. His tenure with the Cincinnati Reds as part of the famed Big Red Machine earned him a permanent place in baseball lore, but his loyalty to Kentucky never wavered. After retiring from pro baseball, Flynn returned to his alma mater as a broadcaster, bringing insight, humor, and heart to UK Baseball broadcasts. His multi-sport background and continued contribution to the program have made him one of the most beloved figures in the Big Blue community.
Sonia Hahn, a standout in women’s tennis, helped lay the groundwork for the success of UK’s program in the modern era. A force on the court during her collegiate years, Hahn was known for her graceful but aggressive style, mental toughness, and unyielding work ethic. She collected accolades and tournament victories that elevated Kentucky Women’s Tennis to national recognition. Her legacy is not only in wins but in the inspiration she provided to female athletes during a time of growing visibility for women’s sports. Hahn’s induction serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of pioneers in Olympic and non-revenue sports at the university level.
Josh Hines-Allen, better known in NFL circles as Josh Allen, brought Kentucky Football to new heights during his time in Lexington. In 2018, he authored one of the greatest single seasons by a defensive player in SEC history, earning multiple national honors, including the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Allen’s dominant presence off the edge was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his leadership helped guide the Wildcats to a historic 10-win season and a Citrus Bowl victory over Penn State. Since being drafted in the first round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Hines-Allen has continued to thrive professionally, but it is his transformational impact on UK Football that secures his place in Wildcat lore. His commitment to excellence, team-first mentality, and historic production earned him not just accolades, but reverence.
Rounding out the Class of 2025 is Karl-Anthony Towns, the dominant center and former No. 1 overall NBA Draft pick who helped spearhead one of the most iconic Kentucky Basketball teams of the modern era. During the 2014-2015 season, Towns anchored a team that went 38-1 and captured the nation’s imagination with its depth, versatility, and dominance. Known for his elite footwork, shot-blocking, and expanding offensive game, Towns was a major catalyst in Kentucky’s run to the Final Four. His humility, intelligence, and work ethic made him a standout not only on the floor but also in the classroom and community. Since leaving Kentucky, Towns has become a star in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, but he has never forgotten his roots in Lexington, frequently crediting UK for shaping his career and identity. His legacy lives on in the standards he helped set during one of the greatest seasons in program history.
The UK Athletics Hall of Fame was established to honor individuals who have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to their teams and communities. The Class of 2025 exemplifies these principles in every way. Each inductee will be celebrated this fall during Hall of Fame weekend, with formal ceremonies, recognition at a UK Football game, and moments of reflection on the legacies they’ve built.
As the Hall of Fame continues to grow, so too does the rich tapestry of Kentucky Athletics. From decades-old legends to recent stars, the celebration of this class reminds fans that greatness in blue and white comes in many forms. It comes in towering centers, game-breaking defenders, clutch shooters, home run hitters, pioneers in tennis, and lifelong broadcasters. It comes from everywhere, and it binds together generations of Wildcats in one powerful tradition of excellence.
This class, perhaps more than any in recent memory, reflects not just success, but the depth, diversity, and unity of the Big Blue family. The University of Kentucky takes great pride in honoring these six individuals who have worn the uniform with pride, represented the institution with grace, and contributed to a legacy that continues to grow with each passing year. The Class of 2025 doesn’t just join the Hall of Fame—they define it.
