Hall of Fame

Our Story

The IMG Academy Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring and celebrating individuals that made exceptional contributions to IMG Academy; preserving the legacy of Ascenders for generations; supporting student-athletes and their desire for high-level achievement in sports and education; and encouraging youth sports and development.

Inductees

Class of 2025

Paula
Creamer

IMG Academy student-athlete from 2004–2007 who became a top-ranked professional tennis player, reaching the 2014 US Open final and achieving a career-high world No. 4 ranking.

Maria
Sharapova

IMG Academy student-athlete from 2000–2003 who became a professional golf star, winning 12 LPGA Tour titles, including the 2010 U.S. Women’s Open.

Kei
Nishikori

IMG Academy student-athlete from 1996–2001 who rose to world No. 1 in women’s tennis, winning five Grand Slam titles and 36 WTA singles titles.

John Ryan
Murphy

IMG Academy student-athlete from 2007–2010 who played eight seasons in Major League Baseball as a catcher for the New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks, and other teams.

Chip
McCarthy

Longtime IMG Academy leader and mentor whose decades of dedication shaped the growth, culture, and success of the Academy across generations.

inaugural Class

Nick
Bollettieri

Founder of Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy; visionary coach; transformed athlete development and laid the foundation for IMG Academy’s global impact

Nick
Bollettieri

Inaugural Inductee

Criteria for Candidacy

Student-Athlete Achievements

Student-Athlete Alumni

  • Must be 4 years removed from IMG Academy for eligibility
  • Must have graduated from IMG Academy/prior named school
  • Must have attended IMG Academy/ prior named school for minimum of 1 academic school year
  • Should possess noteworthy career highlights, records, and athletic or academic achievements as student-athlete at IMG Academy/College/Professional

CONTRIBUTORS

  • Must have made significant contributions to IMG Academy and community in way deemed worthy by Hall of Fame Committee
  • Should be non-student-athlete alumni
  • Can include coaches, educators, trainees post-graduate athletes, trainers, athletic staff, and sport or development personnel
  • Must be 4 years removed from IMG Academy career for eligibility

Lifetime Achievement

The Lifetime Achievement Award honors individuals who have made significant and enduring contributions to the mission and guiding principles of IMG Academy. Through exceptional scholarship, leadership, administration, or mentorship, recipients have helped shape the Academy’s legacy and culture. This prestigious award may be presented to current or former members of IMG Academy's team members, including executives, administrators, and employees. There is no specific timeline required for nomination, allowing for recognition of lasting impact across any era of the Academy’s history.

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