The Hofstra University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. The class consists of four outstanding individuals who will be inducted at the 2024 Hofstra Pride Athletics Hall of Fame and Golf Outing, which will take place Monday, June 10, 2024, at the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor, New York.
The class includes: Stephen Bowen (football), Shante Evans (women’s basketball), Brian Spallina (men’s lacrosse), and Chris Weidman (wrestling).
“We once again have a special group of inductees for the Hofstra Athletic Hall of Fame Class of 2024,” said Hofstra Vice President and Director of Athletics Rick Cole Jr. “These four outstanding student-athletes represent the best Hofstra athletics has to offer. On top of outstanding careers at Hofstra, each has had highly-regarded professional careers in their chosen sports. We look forward to celebrating with them on June 10.”
With this class, the Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame will include 130 individuals and nine teams.
The Hofstra Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2024 is as follows:
Stephen Bowen – A football student-athlete from 2002 to 2005, Bowen was a four-year letterman and a three-year starter at defensive end. After playing in five games as a freshman, Bowen moved into a starting role as a sophomore and remained a fixture on the defensive line for the next three seasons. He was named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team as a senior after posting 48 tackles and 5.5 sacks. Bowen finished his collegiate career with 168 tackles, 11.5 sacks and one interception, which was returned for a 31-yard touchdown. Bowen was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys on May 1, 2006, following the NFL Draft. He spent five seasons in Dallas before signing with Washington on July 28, 2011. He started all 16 games during his first year in Washington, and received the team’s Ed Block Courage Award. Following three more seasons with the team, Bowen would sign a free agent contract with the New York Jets. He played in 15 games for the Jets in 2015 before announcing his retirement in June 2016 after signing a one-day contract with Washington. Bowen finished his professional career with 128 games played (57 starts), 175 tackles (103 solo), and 12.5 sacks.
Shante Evans – A four-year starter and a three-time Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American on the women’s basketball team from 2009 through 2013, Evans is one of the greatest players to wear a Hofstra uniform. The Pride’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder, Evans poured in 2,116 points during her tenure and grabbed 1,348 rebounds. She is the only Hofstra women’s basketball player to score 2,000 points and is one of only two with more than 1,000 rebounds, with the other being fellow Hofstra Athletics Hall of Famer Kate Gordon. In addition to her points and rebounding marks, Evans holds the Pride record for free throws made with 529, is second in games played with 127, and ninth in blocked shots with 86. A four-time All-CAA selection, including three first team nods, Evans led the league in rebounding as a freshman and a senior, and ranks first in career rebounds and seventh in career points in CAA history. Hofstra made a pair of WNIT appearances during her tenure and averaged 18 wins per season. Evans, who is one of three Hofstra women’s basketball players to have her jersey retired, has played professionally overseas for the past decade and currently plays in Poland. She has won championships in the Bulgarian League, Romanian League, Slovenian League, and the Adriatic League. Evans is also a member of the Slovenian National Team.
Brian Spallina – A four-year member of the men’s lacrosse team between 1997 and 2000, Spallina was a two-time USILA All-American selection at Hofstra, including a first team pick in 2000. A long stick midfielder, he earned All-America East honors in 1999 and 2000, and was a first team selection as a senior. During his four-year tenure with the Pride, Spallina played in 57 games and recorded 17 goals, 10 assists, 27 points, and 208 ground balls. He played on three America East Championship squads and was part of three NCAA Tournament teams, with the 1999 team advancing to the quarterfinals. Following his senior season, Spallina played in the North-South All-Star Game. Spallina, who was also a member of the 2006 U.S. National Team, went on to an incredible professional career as he was a seven-time Major League Lacrosse Champion and a two-time MLL All-Star. He ranks third all-time with 181 games played and first with 221.5 penalty minutes. He picked up 187 ground balls during his pro career. Spallina won titles in 2001 and 2015 with the Long Island Lizards; 2004, 2006, and 2007 with the Philadelphia Barrage; and 2012 and 2013 with the Chesapeake Bayhawks. He was inducted into the Professional Lacrosse Hall of Fame as part of the 2023 class, joining Hofstra alum Nicky Polanco, who was inducted in 2022.
Chris Weidman – A two-year member of the Hofstra wrestling team between 2005 and 2007, Weidman was a two-time All-American for the Pride. He won 51 matches during his two seasons, placing sixth as a junior and third as a senior at the NCAA Championships. He was named to the Colonial Athletic Association’s Silver Anniversary Wrestling Team in 2009. Prior to coming to Hofstra, Weidman was a two-time Junior College All-American at Nassau Community College and was the first junior college wrestler to win a weight class at the New York State Championship in 2005. Following his graduation from Hofstra, Weidman began training for a mixed martial arts career and made his professional debut in 2009. He won the Ring of Combat middleweight championship in 2010 in just his third professional bout. He joined the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2011 and would then win his first UFC title in 2013, defeating MMA legend Anderson Silva for the middleweight championship. Weidman was named the 2013 UFC Fighter of the Year and also won top fighter awards that year from Yahoo Sports and the World MMA Awards. He is still an active competitor in UFC with his next bout scheduled for March. He owns a 15-7 record as a professional fighter.
To reserve your seat at the Hall of Fame Dinner, reserve a foursome at the golf outing, or inquire about sponsorship opportunities, contact the Athletic Development Office at (516) 463-4919, [email protected], or online at Gohofstra.com/hof24.
