The University of Texas Permian Basin Athletics Department is proud to announce the 2026 UTPB Athletics Hall of Fame class.

This year's inductees include distinguished student-athletes Ashley Alba (Volleyball), Kim Chaffin (Women's Basketball), whose accomplishments helped shape Falcon Athletics, along with the 2008 volleyball team and Coach/Admin Virginia Brown, whose lasting contributions have left a significant impact on the University and its athletic programs.
  2008 Volleyball Team
In 2008, the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) Women's Volleyball Team had a landmark season, finishing with an impressive 23-14 record under the leadership of Head Coach Steve Aicinena. This performance secured them both the Heartland Conference regular-season and tournament championships, marking a significant achievement in the program's history.

The team's success led to UTPB's inaugural appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament, the FIRST Falcons athletics program to do so as full-fledged Division II members.
  Ashley (Rojo) Alba
Volleyball – Libero (2006-08)

Ashley Alba, a standout libero from El Paso, Texas, played a pivotal role in the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) Women's Volleyball Team's historic 2008 season. She anchored the team's defense, leading with an impressive average of 4.92 digs per set over 144 sets. Her exceptional performance was instrumental in UTPB securing both the Heartland Conference regular-season and tournament championships, culminating in the university's first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II Tournament.

Alba's consistent defensive skill not only set a high standard for the team's back-row play but also contributed significantly to their overall success during her career at UTPB.
  Kim Chaffin
Women's Basketball – Guard (2002-06)

Kim Chaffin, a standout guard from Smyer, Texas was a cornerstone of the inaugural University of Texas Permian Basin Women's Basketball Team. A four-year team leader, she helped guide the Falcons to the postseason in each of her four seasons while earning multiple First Team All-Conference honors, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American recognition, and three UTPB Most Valuable Player awards.

Chaffin finished her career as UTPB's all-time leading scorer with 1,314 points while also totaling 367 rebounds, 601 assists, and 256 steals. Her leadership, competitiveness, and impact on the program's early success established the foundation for UTPB women's basketball and cemented her legacy as one of the program's most influential student-athletes.
  Virginia Brown (Posthumously)
Men's and Women's Tennis Coach / Admin (1973-1989)

Virginia Brown was a pioneering coach who established the University of Texas Permian Basin tennis program as one of the NAIA's premier teams from 1979–88. During her tenure, the Falcons consistently ranked among the nation's top programs, earning Brown NAIA Coach of the Year honors while she also served as UTPB's Director of Athletics. A trailblazer in collegiate athletics and the early implementation of Title IX, Brown spent more than 40 years coaching, held numerous leadership roles within national tennis organizations, and was inducted into the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Her leadership laid the foundation for intercollegiate athletics at UTPB and left a lasting impact on collegiate tennis nationwide.

For a more extensive bio click here.