The Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame was originated by Walt Gamage, a longtime sports editor of the Palo Alto Times. Gamage, who had previously worked on many neighborhood newspapers in the Chicago area, moved to Palo Alto in 1944 and quickly became interested in Stanford sports. 

In early 1954, Gamage organized a Hall of Fame. The first class of inductees, including 34 of the greatest names in Stanford sports history, was announced in a full-page spread in the Palo Alto Times on December 21, 1954.

The Stanford Athletics Hall of Fame totals 480 individuals (including 33 multi-sport standouts), most recently including the Class of 2025: Nick Amuchastegui (wrestling), Maya DiRado (women’s swimming & diving), Annika Dries (women’s water polo), Matt Fuerbringer (men’s volleyball), Teresa Noyola (women’s soccer), Chiney Ogwumike (women’s basketball), Carlos Quentin (baseball), Patrick Rodgers (men’s golf), Katerina Stefanidi (women’s track & field) and Stepfán Taylor (football).

Student-athletes are eligible for induction 10 years after their final competition season. Inductees must be able to attend the ceremony.