Norfolk State University’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 2025 Hall of Fame induction class, honoring eight individuals for their contributions to Spartan athletics.

The 2025 class includes Williard Bailey (football/administrator), Martha Bissah (cross country/track and field), Kenneth Giles (cross country/track and field), Danielle Jones (softball), Robert Jones (basketball), Ralph Tally (men’s basketball), Larry Vickers (basketball) and Pendarvis Williams (basketball). 

“This year’s class represents the very best of what it means to be a Spartan, excellence, perseverance and pride,” said NSU Vice President and Director of Athletics Melody Webb. “Each inductee has played a defining role in shaping the legacy of Norfolk State Athletics, leaving a standard of achievement that continues to inspire our student-athletes and community today.” 

The induction ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, the evening before Norfolk State hosts Delaware State in MEAC conference play. Tickets and location details will be announced later. 

The class features a mix of coaches and student-athletes who helped shape Spartan athletics. 

Williard Bailey, NSU’s head football coach from 1984 to 1992 and athletic director from 1984 to 1989, led the Spartans to a school-record 10 wins and the 1984 CIAA Championship in his first season. He finished with a 52-40-1 record and was inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2021. 

Martha Bissah competed in track and cross country from 2016 to 2021, earning three USTFCCCA All-American honors and 19 MEAC titles. She remains the only female in conference history to win three consecutive cross country crowns. 

Kenneth Giles, entering his 25th year as cross country coach and 21st as track and field head coach, has guided the Spartans to 17 MEAC cross country titles and produced more than 100 individual MEAC champions. 

Danielle Jones starred for Norfolk State softball in the mid-1990s, hitting over .440 in her first two seasons and earning All-CIAA and VaSID All-State First Team honors. 

Robert Jones has led the men’s basketball program since 2013, guiding the Spartans to five regular-season titles, three MEAC tournament championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. 

Ralph Tally (1983-87) is NSU’s all-time leading scorer with 2,575 points. A three-time CIAA Player of the Year, he also holds the program career record for steals. 

Larry Vickers transformed the women’s basketball program into a MEAC powerhouse, leading the team to three consecutive tournament titles and three NCAA appearances before moving to Auburn University in 2025. 

Pendarvis Williams (2010-14) scored 1,646 points in his career, ranking among NSU’s all-time Division I leaders. He was the 2013 MEAC Player of the Year and went on to play in the NBA G League and overseas.