Diana Taurasi, J.J. Hardy among seven Arizona Sports Hall of Fame inductees

April 13, 2026 - 18:41

The Arizona Sports Hall of Fame has officially enshrined a new class of seven iconic figures, headlined by basketball superstar Diana Taurasi and baseball's J.J. Hardy. The induction ceremony celebrated their profound and lasting impact on the state's athletic legacy.

Taurasi, the Phoenix Mercury's all-time leading scorer and a three-time WNBA champion, is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history. Her entire professional career has been dedicated to Arizona, making her a beloved fixture in the community. Hardy, a two-time MLB All-Star shortstop, was a cornerstone of the Arizona Diamondbacks for several seasons, earning a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger award during his tenure in Phoenix.

They were joined by legendary University of Arizona swimming and diving coach Frank Busch, who built a dynasty with multiple national championships. The distinguished class also includes football standout Jared Baker, softball great Kenzie Fowler, boxing champion Michael Carbajal, and adaptive sports pioneer and coach Peter Hughes.

The event highlighted not just athletic excellence, but the significant contributions each inductee has made to shaping Arizona's rich sports culture. Their stories and achievements now permanently reside among the state's most honored athletic traditions.