WINONA, Minn. - Winona State University Athletics has announced its 2026 Hall of Fame class, recognizing six outstanding individuals whose achievements have left a lasting legacy on Warrior athletics. This year's inductees are Holly (Sutton) Barton, Derek Chance, Molly (Link) DuPont, Michele Bailey, Brad Lange, and Shannon (McGowan) Newsome.
Holly (Sutton) Barton, Soccer: Barton stands among the most accomplished players in Winona State soccer history. Throughout her career from 2004-2007, Barton led the Warriors to four consecutive NSIC Regular Season Championships ('04, '05, '06, '07), two NSIC Tournament Championships ('04, '05), and the program's second ever NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007. Barton ranks first all-time in game-winning goals (14), second in points (106), third in goals (41), and eighth in assists (24). A back-to-back NSIC Player of the Year, Barton earned First Team All-America honors in both 2006 and 2007 and was later named to the NSIC 25th Anniversary Women's Team.
Derek Chance, Football: Chance dominated on the gridiron for Winona State from 1997-2000. Chance led Winona State to three NSIC Championships while earning All-NSIC honors in 1998, 1999, and 2000. He still holds program records for career sacks (31.5) and single-season sacks (12.5), along with the longest fumble return for a touchdown (95 yards). Chance garnered national attention during his career and collected preseason All-America honors in both 1999 and 2000 while earning an All-American honorable mention nod his senior season. Winona State earned the program's first ever Mineral Water Bowl Championship to cap off Chance's senior season.
Molly (Link) DuPont, Softball: DuPont made an immediate and historic impact after transferring to Winona State, becoming one of the most prolific hitters in program history. DuPont was named the 2011 NSIC Player of the Year while racking up First Team All-NSIC, First Team All-Region, and First Team All-America honors. DuPont became a back-to-back All-American in 2012 and was also named the Central Region Player of the Year during her senior season. DuPont still holds the highest career batting average in Winona State softball history (.422) and holds the single-season record for runs scored (62).
Michele Bailey, Tennis: Bailey authored one of the most decorated careers in Winona State history, earning NSIC Player of the Year honors all four years from 2004-2007. She captured four NSIC No. 1 singles titles and two No. 1 doubles championships, while also being named NSIC Tournament MVP twice. Bailey led the Warriors to back-to-back NCAA Regionals in 2006 and 2007 while being ranked as high as second in the region in singles and third in doubles. At the conclusion of her career, Bailey held an NSIC-best 52-3 combined record and was later named to the NSIC 25th Anniversary Women's Team.
Brad Lange, Baseball: Lange remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in program history after dominating on the mound for Winona State baseball from 1986-1989. He ranks first in innings pitched (276.1), second in career wins (26), third in appearances (66), fourth in strikeouts (242), and seventh in complete games (18), while also holding the single-season strikeout record (107). With Lange on the mound, the Warriors captured four consecutive NIC Championships, three straight District Championships, and appeared in the 1988 NAIA World Series. Lange was a two-time All-District honoree and was named All-NIC, All-District, and All-Area in his senior season.
Shannon (McGowan) Newsome, Volleyball: Newsome established herself as one of the premier liberos in program and conference history from 2008-2011. She played in all 430 sets of her career and holds the school record for career digs (2,439), has the top three single-season digs per set marks in program history, and the top two single-season digs totals, including a record 657. Newsome holds the NSIC all-time single season digs per set record with 6.44 and was a three-time digs per set leader within the league. Newsome earned three All-NSIC selections, was named NSIC Libero of the Year, and garnered AVCA All-Region honors during her senior season.
The 2026 Hall of Fame Class will be formally recognized during the weekend of October 8-11, 2026 at Winona State University's Homecoming festivities.
