Feasterville, PA, January 8, 2026
Holy Family University has announced the inductees for its Athletics Hall of Fame Class, which includes standout athletes and a championship-winning team. The ceremony will be held at The Buck Hotel in Feasterville, PA, highlighting the university’s commitment to recognizing excellence in sports. This year’s inductees exemplify dedication and achievement in collegiate athletics, underscoring the importance of comprehensive programs that contribute to both personal growth and community engagement.
Philadelphia, PA —
Tigers to Celebrate Excellence: Holy Family University Announces Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026
Holy Family University is poised to celebrate a new chapter in its rich athletic history, announcing the distinguished Class of 2026 for its Athletics Hall of Fame. This esteemed group, comprising three star athletes, a title-winning coach, and a record-setting NCAA Tournament team, represents the pinnacle of perseverance and competitive spirit within the university’s sports programs. The induction ceremony, a testament to decades of dedication and success, is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, at The Buck Hotel in Feasterville, Pa.
The announcement underscores Holy Family University’s enduring commitment to fostering athletic excellence and recognizing the individuals and teams whose efforts have elevated the institution’s profile. This year’s class embodies the university’s core values, showcasing how individual initiative and collective effort lead to remarkable achievements both on and off the field. The inclusion of an NCAA Tournament team further highlights the successful growth and strategic investment in Holy Family University PA athletics, solidifying its place within the vibrant Philadelphia PA sports landscape.
Celebrating a Legacy of Achievement
The Class of 2026 inductees include men’s soccer standout Pat Fallon ’96, softball’s all-time hit leader Danielle McDevitt ’13, and volleyball star Chase (Wassel) Dalessandro ’19. They are joined by former women’s soccer coach Mike Biddle, and the entire 2018 Holy Family University Women’s Volleyball team. These individuals and the collective embody the spirit of sustained excellence that is a hallmark of successful collegiate programs. Director of Athletics Tim Hamill ’04 expressed enthusiasm for this year’s class, noting their significant contributions not only in terms of athletic accolades but also in representing the university’s fundamental principles.
Individual Excellence Forged Through Discipline
Pat Fallon, a formidable presence on the men’s soccer field from 1992-96, stands as the sole player in Holy Family University Men’s Soccer history to be named the NAIA District 19 Player of the Year, an honor he received in 1993. His 18 goals and 41 points from that year remain tied for second and fourth, respectively, in the program’s single-season records. Fallon’s career also saw him earn a place on the 1993 NAIA Northeast All-Region Team and the 1996 NAIA All-Southeast Independent Team, culminating in 40 career goals and 91 points, ranking him fourth all-time in program history. His accomplishments reflect the rigorous training and unwavering focus that define true athletic achievement.
Danielle McDevitt, who played softball from 2010-14, established herself as a record-breaker, holding the Holy Family Softball’s all-time lead with 226 hits. She is also the only player in the program’s history to achieve All-American status, an accolade earned in 2011. McDevitt’s consistent performance also placed her in the top eight of the program’s history for batting average (.408), runs (104), on-base percentage (.436), stolen bases (34), games played (172), assists (343), and double plays turned (13). Demonstrating a commitment to academic rigor alongside athletic prowess, she is one of only four Holy Family student-athletes to earn Academic All-America Honors in 2014.
Chase (Wassel) Dalessandro, a key member of the 2015-18 volleyball teams, was instrumental in the success of the 2018 squad. Her dedication contributed to a season that etched her team into university lore.
Former women’s soccer coach Mike Biddle, who guided the program from 2004-11, also earned his rightful place among the inductees. His leadership and strategic vision were crucial in developing student-athletes and building a competitive program.
A Team’s Triumphant Season: The 2018 Women’s Volleyball Team
The 2018 Holy Family Women’s Volleyball team is being honored for a truly historic season. This squad achieved a remarkable 31-6 overall record and an 18-1 league play finish. Their exceptional performance led to the program’s inaugural Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC) title and its first two NCAA Tournament victories. Their journey saw them reach the East Region Final, often referred to as the Sweet 16, a feat unmatched by any other volleyball team in CACC history. The team’s impressive run included a 23-match winning streak, culminating in a CACC Championship victory over Post. Seeded fifth in the NCAA Tournament, they swept fourth-seeded Molloy in the first round before upsetting top-seed New Haven 3-1 in the East Region Semifinal, a testament to their collective resilience and competitive drive. The roster for this celebrated team included Tayana Bennett, Jaime Bonner, Jillian Boyle, Casee Bryan, Carly Covington, Caitlin Griffin, Courtney Heaney, Camille Johnson, Zoe Krause, Emma Patterson, Gianna Pesognelli, Candyce Riley, Morgan Silks, Chase Wassel, and Stephanie Woolston. The team was led by Head Coach Jeff Rotondo, Assistant Coach Susan Kim, and Volunteer Assistant Coach Sanky Sanny.
Implications for the Regional Athletic and Economic Landscape
The consistent success celebrated by Holy Family University’s Hall of Fame inductions extends beyond campus pride. Robust college sports Philadelphia programs contribute significantly to the local and state economies. Holy Family University itself generates an estimated $188.5 million in annual economic impact, supporting 1,758 jobs across the region. This substantial contribution, representing a 65% increase in economic output and a 40% rise in employment since 2018, demonstrates the university’s role as a vital economic engine. Strong athletic programs attract prospective students, enhance university visibility, and foster community engagement through local sporting events, creating a positive ripple effect throughout Northeast Philadelphia and beyond.
Supporting Athletic Success: Private Initiative and Community Engagement
The growth and success of programs like those at Holy Family University are not solely the result of on-field performance; they are also a reflection of strategic administrative support, dedicated coaching, and crucial private investment. The university has expanded its athletic offerings, adding six new programs in the last five years, including flag football for women, men’s lacrosse, baseball, and women’s bowling. This expansion has nearly doubled the number of student-athletes from 175 to 375, demonstrating a clear commitment to providing diverse opportunities for competitive sports. Such growth requires prudent financial management and the support of a committed alumni network, which actively contributes to scholarships and athletic program development. The university’s strong financial health, noted as “excellent” for seven consecutive years under one financial model, enables sustained investment in these vital programs.
A Balanced Analysis: Entrepreneurship, Initiative, and Community Self-Reliance
The achievements honored by the Hall of Fame underscore the foundational American values of entrepreneurship, individual initiative, and community self-reliance. Each inductee’s journey represents a personal commitment to excellence, often overcoming challenges through sheer willpower and disciplined effort. The success of the 2018 Volleyball team, achieving a CACC title and NCAA Sweet 16 appearance, exemplifies what can be accomplished when individual talents coalesce into a cohesive, high-performing unit. These athletic endeavors foster competition, which in turn drives innovation and personal growth, preparing student-athletes for success in all aspects of life. Furthermore, Holy Family University’s athletics programs demonstrate strong academic performance, with a four-year Academic Success Rate (ASR) of 93% for student-athletes, significantly higher than the national average. This highlights a holistic approach where academic rigor complements athletic pursuit, nurturing well-rounded individuals ready to contribute to society.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum in Pennsylvania College Athletics
The induction of the Class of 2026 serves as a powerful reminder of Holy Family University’s rich athletic tradition and its ongoing impact. These stories of triumph inspire current and future generations of student-athletes, reinforcing the importance of hard work, sportsmanship, and academic dedication. The university’s consistent investment in its athletic department, coupled with robust alumni and community support, ensures a bright future for Pennsylvania college athletics within the region. As Holy Family University continues to grow its programs and celebrate its champions, it remains an integral part of the local community, demonstrating how competitive sports can be a powerful force for positive development.
Readers are encouraged to engage with their local collegiate sports programs, attend games, and consider supporting student-athlete scholarships. The success of these programs is a shared victory for the university and the entire community.
FAQ Section
- What is the Holy Family University Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 composed of?
- The Holy Family University Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 includes three star athletes, a title-winning coach, and an NCAA Tournament team.
- Who are the specific inductees for the Class of 2026?
- The specific inductees are Pat Fallon ’96 (Men’s Soccer), Danielle McDevitt ’13 (Softball), Chase (Wassel) Dalessandro ’19 (Volleyball), Mike Biddle (Women’s Soccer Coach), and the 2018 Holy Family University Women’s Volleyball team.
- When and where will the induction ceremony take place?
- The induction ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 16, at The Buck Hotel in Feasterville, Pa.
- What were some key achievements of the 2018 Holy Family University Women’s Volleyball team?
- The 2018 Women’s Volleyball team achieved a 31-6 overall record, an 18-1 league play record, secured the program’s first CACC title and first two NCAA Tournament wins, and reached the East Region Final (Sweet 16).
- What is Holy Family University’s annual economic impact?
- Holy Family University generates an estimated $188.5 million in annual economic impact.
Holy Family University Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2026 Highlights
| Category | Inductee(s) | Key Accomplishments/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Soccer Athlete | Pat Fallon ’96 | NAIA District 19 Player of the Year (1993); 18 goals in 1993 season; 91 career points. |
| Softball Athlete | Danielle McDevitt ’13 | All-time leader with 226 hits; Only HFU Softball All-American (2011); Academic All-America Honors (2014). |
| Volleyball Athlete | Chase (Wassel) Dalessandro ’19 | Key member of the 2018 CACC Championship and NCAA Sweet 16 team. |
| Women’s Soccer Coach | Mike Biddle | Head Women’s Soccer Coach (2004-2011). |
| NCAA Tournament Team | 2018 Women’s Volleyball Team | 31-6 overall, 18-1 CACC record; First CACC title; First two NCAA Tournament wins; Reached East Region Final (Sweet 16). |
| Induction Ceremony Date | N/A | Thursday, April 16. |
| Induction Ceremony Location | N/A | The Buck Hotel, Feasterville, Pa. |
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