2025 Inducties
Read More about the Inductees below.
Videos to follow after the October 26 Hall of Fame Ceremony
Michael Bennett
Michael S. "Mike" Bennett, a Navy veteran and Sarasota High graduate, built a successful business career in Bradenton after earning his BA and MBA from Drake University. He served in both the Florida House and Senate, where he championed veterans' causes and business-friendly legislation, and now serves as Manatee County Supervisor of Elections, a role he’s held since 2013. Under his leadership, the office has maintained budget efficiency despite voter growth, while improving staff pay and election infrastructure.
John Lilly
John Lilly is a seasoned business leader who spent over 27 years at Procter & Gamble and later became CEO of The Pillsbury Company, where he oversaw a $6.8B global business and led its successful $10.5B sale to General Mills. He has managed iconic brands like Pampers, Pringles, Pillsbury, Haagen-Dazs, and Green Giant across 25 countries. Since 2003, Lilly has focused on private equity and venture capital, advising major firms and evaluating over 200 investments. Today, through Lateral Capital Management, he is a leading micro venture capital investor with stakes in over 100 early-stage companies across the U.S.
Jim Tollerton
James B. Tollerton is a lifelong Sarasotan and Florida State University graduate with over 50 years of experience in the insurance and executive benefits industry, maintaining a national practice. He has held leadership roles in both business and community service, including serving three terms on the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Board and founding the hospital's EXCEL program. He was the founding chair of the Education Foundation of Sarasota County and has served on numerous boards, including the Ringling Museum of Art and FSU College of Medicine. Deeply committed to civic life, he is also a Leadership Florida alum and a 20+ gallon blood donor.
Lois Webb
Lois Webb is a Sarasota High graduate and legendary coach who led Florida Southern College’s volleyball program for 24 years, achieving a 747-272 record—ranking second in NCAA Division II wins at the time of her retirement. Her teams made 16 NCAA tournament appearances and finished as high as fourth nationally, while maintaining a winning record every season. In addition to coaching volleyball, she also led FSC’s basketball and golf programs, and later served as athletic director and NCAA senior women’s administrator. A Sunshine State Conference Hall of Famer, Webb was honored with the AVCA Founders Award in 2002 for her outstanding contributions to collegiate athletics.
Shawn Hocker
Dr. Shawn Hocker, a Sarasota native and standout student-athlete at Sarasota High, went on to play both football and wrestling at the University of North Carolina, where he was a team captain, Sporting News All-American, and All-ACC Academic selection. After a brief stint with the San Diego Chargers, he pursued medicine, earning top honors at UNC Medical School and completing orthopedic surgery training at Duke, followed by fellowships in joint replacement and sports medicine. Now based in Wilmington, NC, he is President and co-founder of EmergeOrtho—one of the largest private orthopedic practices in the U.S.—and serves as Medical Director of Novant Orthopedic Hospital, rated among the top five in the nation. Dr. Hocker was named one of Newsweek’s Top 5 Sports Medicine Orthopedic Surgeons in the U.S. for 2025.
Dr. Magdi El Shaway
Dr. Magdi El Shahawy, a Sarasota High School graduate and former All-State football player, currently serves as Associate Athletic Director for Academics at the University of San Diego, where he oversees academic support for over 500 student-athletes and serves as Sport Administrator for Baseball and Women’s Soccer. With over 30 years in NCAA Division I athletic administration—including senior roles at USC, the University of Georgia, Michigan State, and Florida State—he has led major initiatives in academic success, athlete wellness, and career development. At USC, he helped raise graduation rates to a record 90% and launched several student-athlete programs, while also playing a key role in facility improvements. A former FSU football letterman, Dr. El Shahawy holds three degrees from FSU, including a Ph.D. in Athletic Administration, and now lives in California with his wife and three children.
1989 SHS Wrestling Team
The Sarasota High Sailors made history as the undefeated State Champions in 1989, achieving the largest margin of victory ever recorded in a Florida state championship game. Their dominance was years in the making, with back-to-back runner-up finishes in 1987 and 1988. This legendary era was led by the esteemed Coach Ron Jones, whose leadership cemented the team’s legacy in Florida high school sports.
