Mizzou Athletics welcomes loaded 2025 Hall of Fame class. Meet the new inductees
Four former student-athletes and two longtime administrators were inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday evening.
The 2025 class included Mike Alden, Bob Brendel, Sophie Cunningham, Alyssa Munlyn, Brock Olivo and Kareem Rush.
The class was enshrined in a ceremony Friday at Mizzou Arena and will be recognized Saturday at Memorial Stadium during Mizzou’s home game against Louisiana. Here’s a brief look at each member, and what they accomplished during their time at the University.
Mike Alden (athletic director, 1998-2015)
Alden oversaw significant facility growth, Mizzou’s move to the SEC and sustained competitive success during his tenure.
“I’m really humbled and honored to be recognized … it’s a reflection of amazing student-athletes, coaches, staff and faculty,” Alden said. He called the Big 12-to-SEC transition “transformational … for our university and the state.”
Bob Brendel (administration/sports information director, 1980–2000)
Brendel modernized Mizzou’s SID office, helped create the Hall of Fame and has returned as the department’s historian over the past four years.
“I was on the ground floor of forming the Hall of Fame … and I’ve been a firm believer that if you lose your history, it’s gone. We can’t let that happen,” Brendel said.
Sophie Cunningham (women’s basketball, 2015-19)
As Mizzou’s all-time scoring leader and a three-time first-team All-SEC pick, Cunningham helped lift the program to four NCAA tournament trips.
“I bleed black and gold to the core … to finally be a Hall of Famer feels like all the hard work paid off,” Cunningham said. “It’s my teammates, my family, my friends - a community of people.”
Alyssa Munlyn (volleyball, 2015-18)
The program’s first four-time AVCA All-American and career blocks leader anchored the Tigers in the middle.
“It feels full circle - I grew up here,” Munlyn said. “When we beat Florida after trailing two sets, I knew I was part of something really special.”
Brock Olivo (football, 1994-97)
A record-setting running back and inaugural national special-teams honoree, Olivo later returned, and currently serves as a special teams assistant under Eli Drinkwitz.
“It’s an incredible honor … this place is home for me,” Olivo said. “Football is the ultimate team sport, and I want to recognize the people who made this possible.”
Kareem Rush (Men’s Basketball, 1999–2002)
A first-round NBA draft pick and Elite Eight catalyst, Rush remains one of Mizzou’s most prolific scorers and shooters.
“Missouri was a huge piece of my journey to the NBA,” Rush said. “Being back here to accept this honor feels like home. It’s a starting point to stay involved.”
Founded in 1990, the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame now includes 262 individuals and is located on the Mizzou Arena concourse.
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